Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Mad Scientists Producing Human Breast Milk From Cows
By
Ben Yakas
Published Apr 3, 2011
Modified Apr 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Apr 3, 2011
Modified Apr 3, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
First people were incensed when Chef Daniel Angerer crafted a cheese out of breast milk; then they were grossed out when a restaurant in London started selling breast milk ice cream. It seemed like there was no hope for breast milk enthusiasts to get their favorite product introduced into their normal diets...until now.
Scientists from the China Agricultural University have successfully introduced human genes into 300 dairy cows to produce milk with the same properties as human breast milk. The hybrid is here, it's safe and it's allegedly quite tasty, but it may take awhile to get it into stores: "The milk tastes stronger than normal milk. We aim to commercialize some research in this area in coming three years. For the 'human-like milk,' 10 years or maybe more time will be required to finally pour this enhanced milk into the consumer’s cup,” said Professor Ning Li, the scientist who led the research.
Scientists have long wanted to find a way to reproduce the nutrients in human breast milk, which can help to boost the immune system of babies and reduce the risk of infections. The scientists believe the milk from the genetically modified cows could be the solution, an easily accessible alternative to human and formula milk both. “Human milk contains the ‘just right’ proportions of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins for an infant’s optimal growth and development. As our daily food, the cow’s milk provided us the basic source of nutrition. But the digestion and absorption problems made it not the perfect food for human being," said Li.
But that doesn't mean it won't be a battle to get it into stores. Many groups have already objected to using genetically modified cows, and point out, among other things, the ethical implications of mass producing animals: "We have major concerns about this research to genetically modify cows with human genes. There are major welfare issues with genetically modified animals as you get high numbers of still births," said Helen Wallace, director of biotechnology monitoring group GeneWatch UK.
So here's the question: is drinking human breast milk from a genetically modified cow any different from drinking human breast milk to you? Does it gross you out, or does it sound delicious? And how much would you pay for ice cream made out of it?
Tagged
breast milk
breast milk cheese
genetically modified cows
human milk
milk
scientists
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .