Chinese market introduces cockroach coffee

Coffee with cockroaches has gone on sale in China.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the South China Morning Post, a Beijing insect museum has started offering a drink decorated with powder made from ground cockroaches. In addition to this unusual topping, dried yellow mealworms are added to the coffee, and visitors describe the taste as "burnt and slightly sour".

According to a museum employee, the drink, which costs $6, appeared in late June 2025 and has recently been gaining popularity on social media.

"We are an insect museum, so it's logical that our drinks match our theme," he explained.

Besides "cockroach coffee," the new series includes a drink based on the digestive juice of a pitcher plant and a limited "ant" coffee that was only sold on Halloween. All ingredients are purchased from traditional Chinese medicine stores to ensure safety.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cockroaches are considered a remedy for improving blood circulation, while protein-rich mealworms are products that strengthen immunity. The main buyers of this unusual coffee are young people.

"Parents with children usually don't buy it - they don't like cockroaches," the employee added.