Are Roaches Full of Protein? An In-Depth Look at Edible Insects

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

In many cultures worldwide, eating insects is a common practice, with the Food and Agriculture Organization estimating that over two billion people already engage in entomophagy. This tradition has led many to question: are roaches full of protein and could they be a viable food source?

Quick Summary

Cockroaches contain high levels of protein, with amino acid profiles comparable to meat, but only farmed varieties are safe for consumption. Domesticated cockroaches, and particularly the protein crystals from Pacific beetle cockroach milk, offer a nutritious, high-energy, and sustainable protein alternative.

Key Points

High in protein: Certain species of farmed cockroaches contain a high percentage of protein, particularly when measured on a dry-weight basis.
Complete protein source: Cockroaches provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source comparable to meat.
Cockroach milk is superfood: A specific substance produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach is exceptionally nutritious, containing three times the energy of cow's milk.
Farmed vs. wild matters: It is unsafe to eat common household roaches, which carry dangerous bacteria; only specially farmed edible species are suitable for human consumption.
Sustainable alternative: Farming insects, including cockroaches, requires far fewer resources like land and water, and produces less greenhouse gas than conventional livestock.
Historically consumed: Eating insects, or entomophagy, has been practiced by many cultures worldwide for centuries, demonstrating its long-standing role in human diets.

Cockroach Nutrition: The Surprising Facts

Contrary to their pest reputation, certain species of cockroach possess a robust nutritional profile, making them a significant source of protein in some cultures. The protein content is not only substantial but also contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health.

Protein and Macronutrient Composition

Based on a May 2020 study published in the Asian Food Science Journal, the proximate composition of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) contained significant crude protein, around 8.72% by fresh weight. Another source focusing on dried American cockroaches cited an even higher crude protein content of 53.10%. For context, this protein level is comparable to or even higher than many traditional meat sources when comparing dry weight.

Macronutrient breakdown of Periplaneta americana (fresh weight):

Crude Protein: ~8.7%
Crude Fat: ~17.6%
Crude Fiber: ~21.3%
Carbohydrates: ~48.7% (nitrogen-free extract)
Moisture: ~12.4%

The Rise of Cockroach Milk

A particularly remarkable discovery is the nutritional density of the crystalline substance produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) to feed its young. This "cockroach milk" has been found to be over three times more nutritious than cow's milk and is a complete food source, containing all essential amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates. While not a practical human food source today due to extraction difficulties, it has immense potential as a sustainable protein supplement via laboratory synthesis.

Considerations for Consuming Roaches

Before you consider a new dietary supplement, it is critical to understand the difference between wild and farmed insects. The nutritional benefits apply to specially farmed, edible species, and consuming common household pests is extremely dangerous.

Wild Roaches: The pests found in homes and kitchens scavenge on decaying organic matter, trash, and feces, picking up and transmitting a host of pathogenic bacteria. This can cause a range of foodborne illnesses, from diarrhea and vomiting to more serious conditions like salmonellosis and E. coli infections. Exposure to roach exoskeletons and feces can also trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Farmed Roaches: In contrast, roaches raised for human or animal consumption are bred in controlled, sanitary environments. They are fed a clean diet, ensuring they are free from harmful bacteria and contaminants.

Edible Insects vs. Conventional Meat: A Nutritional Comparison


Nutrient (per 100g)	Cockroach Nymph	Cricket	Beef (90% lean)	Chicken (skinless)
Protein	19g	20.5g	26.1g	21g
Fat	10g	6.8g	11.7g	3g
Iron	1.4mg	1.9mg	2.7mg	0.9mg
Zinc	3.2mg	6.7mg	6.3mg	1.5mg
Calcium	38mg	40.7mg	13mg	12mg
B12	23.7mcg	5.4mcg	2.1mcg	0.4mcg

This table compares the nutritional value per 100g of fresh matter, according to data compiled by the EntoMove Project and USDA sources. Note that nutrient levels can vary depending on the specific species, life stage, and diet.

The Sustainability of Insect Protein

Beyond nutrition, edible insects like cockroaches are an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional livestock. They require significantly less land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein. Furthermore, insect farming produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to livestock farming. This efficiency makes entomophagy an attractive solution for future global food security, which is why organizations like the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization are exploring this avenue.

Conclusion

In summary, select species of farmed cockroaches and their derivatives, like Pacific beetle cockroach milk crystals, are indeed full of protein and possess an impressive array of other nutrients. They are a complete protein source, offering essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. However, the crucial distinction lies in the sourcing: consuming sanitary, farmed insects is a viable nutritional choice, while ingesting unhygienic household roaches is a significant health risk due to the pathogens they carry. As the global food system evolves, farmed insects present a sustainable and nutrient-dense protein alternative that could help feed a growing population. Research is progressing in making such sources, like synthesized cockroach milk, more readily available and palatable for Western diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cockroaches are safe to eat. Only specific species of cockroaches that are farmed and raised in sanitary, controlled environments for human consumption are considered safe. Wild roaches carry bacteria and can transmit diseases, making them dangerous to consume.

'Cockroach milk' is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich crystalline substance produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach to feed its young. It is not currently commercially available for human consumption due to the difficult and inefficient extraction process. However, scientists are exploring laboratory methods for synthesis.

The protein content varies by species and preparation. For example, dried American cockroaches have been found to contain over 50% crude protein, offering a comparable protein density to traditional meat sources when comparing dry mass.

Edible insect protein, including that from cockroaches, is comparable in both quantity and quality to meat from traditional livestock. Insects contain a complete amino acid profile, and can sometimes be more nutrient-dense in certain minerals like zinc and iron.

Insect farming is a highly sustainable protein source. It requires significantly less land, water, and feed compared to raising cattle, and produces far lower greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it an environmentally-friendly alternative for food production.

Yes. Individuals with shellfish allergies may also be allergic to cockroaches due to similarities in their exoskeleton composition. Additionally, consuming unsanitary cockroaches or being exposed to their allergens can trigger allergic reactions and asthma.

Historically, Western cultures have developed a strong cultural aversion or taboo toward entomophagy, often viewing insects as pests rather than food. This perception, combined with less readily available edible insects due to climate, has prevented it from becoming a widespread dietary practice.