Fish milk is being produced amid cow shortage in Indonesia

Tengrinews.kz - To compensate for the shortage of cow milk, people have learned to produce fish milk in Indonesia. The drink is planned to be included in the diet of school lunches, according to The New York Post.

"Fish milk" sounds fantastic and not at all scientific, but Indonesians have put the production of such milk on stream. Of course, we are not talking about milking sea creatures. Milk is produced from powdered fillets of ponyfish, which are abundant in coastal waters.

Such powder, experts say, is rich in protein. In order for milk not to have a specific fishy smell and taste, scientists were brought in who developed a technology that eliminates this unpleasant aspect. Flavors and sweeteners are added to the drink, and it finally loses even a hint that fish was used in its production.

"It just tastes like normal milk, at least to me," said manager Mafatihul Khoiri of milk maker Berikan Protein Initiative, which began distribution last year.

The innovative drink is planned to be included in school lunches to enrich children's diets with useful microelements. However, some nutrition experts are skeptical about the new drink. In their opinion, the product is ultra-processed, which, as is known, does not bring any special benefits to the body. Experts also do not like the fact that artificial sweeteners are used in the production of milk. They consider the drink a "more of a political distraction than a meaningful nutritional intervention."

The Indonesian Minister of Health also shares the experts’ opinion and is confident that the milk shortage should be compensated for in another way.

"We can grow cows. Or we can import the milk from Australia. Or we can buy an Australian cow company or milk company. There are many, many, many options to do before we are milking the fish," he said.

Despite this, producers believe that their product will be in demand and could bring the industry at least 4.5 billion dollars.

And you, our readers, have you tried "alternative types of milk"? What do you think of this idea? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Previously, a doctor recommended a milk-based drink to prevent cancer and insomnia. According to him, a milk drink with added turmeric, cardamom, or pepper can help strengthen the immune system, reduce the risks of cancer, and aid in overcoming insomnia.