It might sound strange, but researchers have found that cockroach milk could be one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. While it isn’t currently available for human consumption, scientists believe it holds promise as a sustainable superfood of the future.
Unlike most cockroach species, the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) is unique because it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. To nourish her growing embryos, the mother produces a pale yellow, milk like secretion inside her brood sac. Once consumed by the offspring, this liquid crystallizes into nutrient packed “milk crystals” that shimmer like glitter catching the attention of researchers.
What’s even more fascinating?
*Cockroach milk contains three times the calories of buffalo milk, which was previously considered the most calorie rich mammalian milk.
*Beyond calories, these crystals are loaded with essential amino acids, healthy fats, and sugars, making them a complete and highly concentrated source of nutrition.