"Made with Cockroaches"... Chinese Insect Museum Sells Unusual Coffee

[Financial News] An Insect Museum in Beijing, China, has drawn interest by releasing what it calls 'insect coffee' containing cockroach powder and mealworms. Despite its price of 45 yuan (about 9,000 KRW) per cup, the drink is selling well, especially among curious young customers.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 19th (local time), the museum is serving this unique beverage by sprinkling finely ground cockroach powder on top of the coffee and adding dried mealworms.
Some visitors have described the taste as 'slightly sour with a burnt flavor.'
A museum representative explained, 'Since our space is themed around insects, we wanted to create a fitting menu. After launching at the end of June, the drink began attracting attention online.'
The current series includes not only Cockroach Coffee but also a coffee made with digestive fluids from Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap), a carnivorous plant. Drinks featuring ants were reportedly available only during the Halloween season.
Addressing hygiene concerns, a museum official emphasized, 'All ingredients are sourced from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suppliers, so there are no safety issues.' The official added, 'Cockroach powder is believed to help with blood circulation, and mealworms are rich in protein, which is said to boost immunity.'
According to the museum, the drink is mainly ordered by young people, while families tend to avoid it due to the nature of the ingredients. More than ten cups are sold each day.
In China, such unusual coffee drinks have been gaining popularity online. Previously, coffee with fried insects in Yunnan Province and lattes topped with fried chili peppers and chili powder in Jiangxi Province also drew attention.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter