What is cockroach milk and where does it come from?
"Cockroach milk" is a protein-rich food made by the Pacific beetle cockroach, Diploptera punctata, to feed its embryos. A 2016 IUCrJ study found it forms protein crystals in the embryos' guts, which the authors estimate hold more than three times the energy of an equal mass of dairy milk. We found no official source on its taste or on eating it.
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What is cockroach milk?
It is the milk-like food of a live-bearing cockroach, Diploptera punctata. Researchers (Banerjee and others, IUCrJ 2016) describe protein crystals that grow inside the midgut of cockroach embryos. These are glycosylated, lipid-binding proteins with a lipocalin fold, and they are described as milk proteins for the developing embryos.
Where does it come from?
It comes from a viviparous cockroach, meaning the mother gives birth to live young and feeds the embryos inside her. The structure was solved at 1.2 angstrom resolution and filed in the Protein Data Bank (entry 4NYQ).
How nutritious is it?
The authors estimate a single crystal stores more than three times the energy of an equal mass of dairy milk. That is a research estimate about the crystals in the embryo, not a nutrition label for a product people can buy. The same paper says the proteins vary in amino-acid sequence, glycosylation and bound fatty-acid composition.
How is cockroach milk made or collected?
We found no official source describing how to collect it, and no approved product. The study looked at crystals inside embryos, not at a drink. We do not recommend trying to harvest it.
What does cockroach milk taste like?
We found no official source on taste, and no official source says it is safe to eat or drink. Do not try it, and ask a doctor or dietitian about any new food.
Is it a health food?
We found no NIH, FDA or WHO statement that cockroach milk benefits humans, so we make no health claims.
People also ask
What is cockroach milk?
A protein-rich food the Pacific beetle cockroach makes for its embryos, which forms protein crystals in their guts.
Where does cockroach milk come from?
From Diploptera punctata, a cockroach that gives birth to live young.
Is cockroach milk safe or healthy for humans?
We found no official source saying so. The energy figure is a research estimate for the crystals, not a food label.
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