In Indonesia, with a population of 284-million people, child malnutrition and a lack of affordable dairy options are persistent issues, an innovative nonprofit, The Berikan Protein Initiative, is tackling the problem in an unconventional way, through fish milk. Leveraging the nation’s vast marine resources, this organisation has developed a protein-rich milk alternative made from small, locally caught fish.
Source: PFN Ai Archives - Depiction of bottle fish milk
The production process is both resourceful and sustainable. Fishermen supply abundant species such as pony fish, which are processed to extract protein through enzymatic hydrolysis. This creates a fish protein hydrolysate, which is then dried into a fine, white powder. To make the product more palatable, it is blended with sugar and flavours like chocolate or strawberry, transforming it into a milk-like drink.
The initiative holds significant promise. Not only does it address critical nutritional deficits, but it could also bolster the local economy. If scaled, fish milk production has the potential to create a $4.5 billion industry and over 200,000 jobs, while reducing reliance on imported dairy products.
Source: Public Domain - Pony Fish
However, the concept has sparked mixed reactions. While some embrace the idea of fish milk as an affordable nutritional solution, others, including government officials, are sceptical. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has expressed reservations, suggesting there may be simpler ways to boost milk availability, such as increasing dairy farming or imports. “There are many, many, many options to do before we are milking the fish,” he commented.
Consumer reception has also been divided. Some enjoy the flavoured fish milk, likening it to traditional dairy, while others find the lingering fishy aroma off-putting, especially when served hot. Nutritionists, too, are raising questions about the added sugar and the sustainability of scaling up fish-based products when plant-based is widely accepted as being an acceptable option.
Despite these challenges, The Berikan Protein Initiative is determined to refine and expand its offering, hoping fish milk can become a cornerstone in the fight against malnutrition in Indonesia. By thinking outside the box, or the dairy aisle, they’re aiming to turn the tide on protein deficiencies, one fish at a time.
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