The term "superfood" is often used to describe highly nutritious foods, though no food is truly a superfood. One example is cockroach milk, which studies suggest is 4x more nutritious than cow’s milk.
Produced by the Diploptera punctata species of cockroach, this milk is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, and all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete source of nutrition. Research shows it contains 45% protein, 25% carbohydrates, and 16–22% fat. As a naturally lactose-free option, it could serve as an alternative for those with lactose intolerance.
However, harvesting cockroach milk is extremely difficult. Producing just 100 grams requires killing over 1,000 cockroaches, making large-scale production nearly impossible. While its nutrient density surpasses cow’s and buffalo milk, detailed research on its safety remains limited.
Another drawback is its high calorie content—a single 250 ml serving contains about 700 calories, significantly more than cow’s milk, raising concerns about weight gain. Ethical issues also arise, as production involves killing female cockroaches, making it controversial for those concerned with animal welfare.
Additionally, cockroach milk is not commercially available, and its safety for human consumption, especially for children and pregnant women, is still uncertain. Many may also find the idea of consuming it unappealing.
In conclusion, while cockroach milk boasts impressive nutrition, its production challenges, ethical concerns, and lack of research make it an impractical alternative to conventional non-dairy milk. Its popularity appears more like a marketing trend than a viable dietary option.
