In a twist no one saw coming, moms are turning breast milk into a side hustle — and raking in serious cash from an unlikely market: bodybuilders.
Yep, you read that right. According to a VICE report, mothers across the U.S. are stocking freezers full of liquid gold and cashing in, selling to both parents in need and fitness fanatics chasing the next big “superfood.”
From Pumping to Profits
Take Keira Williams, for example — a 31-year-old NICU nurse who’s made hundreds of dollars a day selling her surplus milk to gym junkies looking for a protein-packed pre-workout boost.
“I made $800 in one day just selling breast milk on Facebook,” Williams told The New York Post, saying she started in May after connecting with buyers through online mom groups.
Since then? She’s moved over 3,500 ounces, and yes — that paid for some very nice vacations.
The Going Rate? Higher Than You Think
According to the Post, typical buyers like fellow moms pay around 50 cents per ounce. But bodybuilders? They’re shelling out up to $2 per ounce to chug what they believe is the ultimate all-natural edge.
Williams says she’s careful, though — she doesn’t sell to just anyone. “I don’t deal with creeps,” she told the outlet, explaining that most of her adult buyers are serious lifters, not weirdos with strange milk fetishes.
Miracle Fuel… or Placebo Hype?
So is breast milk really the new pre-workout secret weapon? Scientists are skeptical.
While it’s packed with nutrients for babies, researchers from Queen Mary University of London say there’s no proven benefit for adult consumption. The supposed gains might be more mental than muscular — placebo PRs, anyone?
Big Gains, Bigger Paychecks
Still, some moms are making big money.
Nicole Howard says she’s earned around $10,000 selling her NICU-certified milk. She charges different rates depending on the buyer: $1 per ounce on Facebook, $1.50 for out-of-state customers, and discounts for bulk orders.
“It feels so good to feed babies who need it,” she said. “And I’m supporting my household with money I’m making from my own body.”
Another seller, Megan Lemmon, put it even more simply:
“It’s the most empowering, beautiful thing I’ve ever done.”
The Bottom Line?
In the wild world of side hustles, this one’s unexpectedly wholesome. Moms are finding ways to help others and bring in extra income — and bodybuilders? Well, they’re just looking for their next edge, even if it comes in a bottle labeled “for baby use only.”
Moral of the story? Don’t underestimate moms.
They’ve got hustle, heart… and apparently, a product the fitness world can’t stop flexing over.