Elon Musk's Reaction to 'Gross' Superfood Trend

Elon Musk publicly reacted with a single word, "Gross," to news about cockroach milk potentially becoming a superfood. This statement followed a report from the New York Post detailing the unusual ingredient and its extraction process. Scientists are exploring the nutrient-rich secretions from a specific cockroach species as a future food source.

The substance, produced by female Pacific beetle cockroaches to feed their young, contains valuable protein crystals, fats, and sugars. However, its extraction is challenging, requiring researchers to access the protein crystals from cockroach embryos. Current scientific efforts are focused on replicating this substance without the need for such a laborious and unappealing method.

A 2026 review also touched upon insect-derived ingredients for beverages. While cockroach milk is still experimental and not a common food product, the discussion has sparked online debate. Social media users largely shared Musk's sentiment, expressing disinterest or humor regarding the idea of consuming cockroach milk, highlighting potential challenges in public acceptance.