Recently, the Wanwu Museum in Beijing, China, launched a 'cockroach powder coffee,' sparking heated discussions online. The top layer of this coffee is sprinkled with cockroach powder and decorated with several roasted mealworms. Its bizarre appearance and flavor challenge have elicited exclamations from the public. In response, the museum revealed that the 'cockroach powder coffee' is currently priced at about 45 RMB (26 MYR) per cup, and all ingredients are sourced from traditional Chinese medicine shops, compliant with food safety standards.
According to Chinese media reports, museum staff confirmed on the 11th that this insect-themed coffee debuted at the end of June this year and has unexpectedly gone viral recently due to online exposure. At present, each cup sells for about 45 RMB, and all ingredients are edible insects supplied by traditional Chinese medicine shops and meet food safety standards.
It is introduced that the museum, centering on the concept of ‘bringing nature into daily life,’ has designed several drinks combining ecological themes, including mealworm coffee, cockroach powder coffee, a specialty drink containing pitcher plant digestive fluid, and a Halloween-limited ant drink. Staff emphasized that all insect ingredients have been roasted and safely processed to ensure hygiene and safety.
In terms of taste, mealworm coffee carries a nutty roast aroma; cockroach coffee blends roasted notes with a slight acidity; the ant drink is noticeably sourer; and the pitcher plant special resembles a typical fruit beverage. Although the names can be off-putting, the museum stated the actual flavors are ‘much milder than expected.’
However, insect coffee remains a niche market. The museum admitted that only about a dozen cups are sold daily, with most customers being young people seeking new experiences. ‘Many people are deterred just by the name—especially parents with children, who tend to be more conservative.’