Scientists have identified an unlikely new contender in the superfood category: cockroach milk. Research suggests that milk from the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) could be three times more nutritious than cow’s milk, sparking interest among nutritionists and food scientists.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography analysed the milk-like fluid produced by female Pacific beetle cockroaches to feed their offspring. Researchers found that the substance crystallises inside the stomachs of young cockroaches and is rich in proteins, amino acids, and healthy sugars that aid cell growth and repair.

According to The Independent, the study also revealed that cockroach milk contains three times the calories of buffalo milk, previously considered the most calorie-rich mammalian milk.

Despite its impressive nutritional profile, cockroach milk is not yet available for human consumption, with production challenges being a major barrier. However, scientists believe it could play a role in future food innovations as a sustainable and nutrient-dense alternative.

As with all superfoods, experts caution that cockroach milk should complement a balanced diet rather than replace traditional healthy eating habits.