Indonesia is facing a cow shortage and is looking to tackle its milk demand with a powdered milk substitute known as “fish milk.” The Berikan Protein Initiative, an Indonesian nonprofit, has developed a fish-based high-protein powdered milk alternative using a chemical process called hydrolysis. Fish are deboned, dried, and combined with flavors and sugar to create a powder that can be mixed with water, reportedly tasting like normal milk.

While the Berikan Protein Initiative predicts that fish milk could become a $4.5 billion industry, not everyone in Indonesia is convinced of its benefits. Some critics question whether a fish-based milk alternative aligns with the country’s broader nutrition goals and suggest focusing on proven strategies like fortifying staple foods. Additionally, there are concerns about the environmental impact of turning fish into milk, as well as growing evidence of fish sentience and the availability of more sustainable plant-based milk alternatives.