The World’s Thickest Milk Is Blue In Colour, 1 Litre Makes Babies Gain 100kg | Health and Fitness News

A 2025 study confirmed that whale milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. (News18 Hindi)

Whale milk, long regarded as one of nature’s most enigmatic and nutrient-rich substances, continues to astonish scientists with its extraordinary properties. Thicker than toothpaste and laden with fat, it is the lifeline that allows a newborn blue whale to gain thousands of kgs in just a few months.

A single litre of whale milk contains up to 50% fat, more than 12 times that of cow’s milk, which typically has around 4%. This exceptional richness allows a baby whale to gain between 4-5kgs every hour, potentially adding up to 100kgs in a single day. Within six months, a blue whale calf can weigh as much as 25 tonnes, a growth spurt essential for survival as the mother undertakes long migratory journeys to feed in distant oceans, including the nutrient-scarce waters of Antarctica.

Produced at up to 200 litres a day, whale milk also contains 12% protein and is remarkably viscous, a result of large, sticky fat globules that prevent it from mixing with water. Its colour is bluish, and its texture creamy, making it a vital energy source for the calf, which must keep pace with the mother while swimming.

Despite its nutritional brilliance, whale milk is not exactly a treat for human taste buds. The high-fat content, combined with a fishy flavour derived from the whale’s plankton-rich diet, can be overpowering and even nauseating for humans. For whale calves, however, it is indispensable, delivered directly from the mother’s nipple, which is uniquely adapted to remain secure underwater.

The study of whale milk presents significant challenges for marine biologists. Yet, research continues to reveal its scientific value. A 2025 study confirmed that whale milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, compounds known to support heart health and overall metabolism, underscoring the evolutionary ingenuity of these ocean giants.