Edible Insects: All The Whats, The Whys and The Hows

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It may be the first time you ever heard about insects for human consumption. Without any further information, the first reaction was probably "what? not for me". What even are edible crickets? How do you produce them? Why on Earth would someone eat insects when bacon is just simply delightful.

Sadly, due to our poor eating habits, bacon isn't doing any justice anymore. That’s where insects come to save the day.

Somehow we missed that more than 2 billion people in the world have been eating insects for centuries. And to be honest, it's time to catch up.

 

The Whats: What Insects Are Edible? What Do They Eat?

There Are More Than 2000 Edible Insects to Choose From.

Crickets are one of the most popular insects for human consumption. Their powder has high amounts of protein and has similar baking properties to regular flour.

Depending on the cricket species you use, they could feed on grass, low energy food sources, grains, or even a biowaste.

The Whys: Why Are Insects the Food of the Future? Why Start Eating Them Now?

Health Benefits of Edible Insect Protein.

Imagine, it's 2100. You are visiting Mars and trying to find a rich in protein food for dinner before going back home to Earth. No cows, no fish in outer space.

You googled the place and are now feasting on a nice meal of burgers made with insect flour. The texture is indistinguishable from beef and has a delicate nutty flavor. Also, you are drinking a smoothie with a couple of cricket protein powder sprinkles. Maybe some kind of Mars strawberry milkshake..? Overall, a nice balance of healthy fat, protein, and fiber to keep you satisfied throughout the day.

Well, it doesn't have to be some futuristic utopia. Edible insects have a huge potential that the West is only beginning to explore now.

Cricket flour carries twice as much protein as beef. They can contain 69% protein and have all essential amino acids. Insects are high in fiber and vitamin B12, as well as a great source of iron, calcium, and Omega 3 and 6. Making it a perfect alternative protein source. [1]

Edible Insects Are a Sustainable Food Alternative.

Livestock farming is pushing boundaries. And if we don’t start making any change, you can really begin packing for your trip to Mars because Earth will soon be hard to live in.

The meat and dairy industry, particularly cows, are responsible for around 14.5 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases each year. That’s roughly the same amount as the emissions from all the transportation in the world combined. [2]

The case for farming insects to cut carbon emissions from food production is compelling. Producing 1kg. of beef requires 200 m² of land, and 1kg. of crickets requires just 15 m². [3]

Water scarcity will tip the balance further in favor of alternative protein sources. Cows drink around 80 liters a day. Per 1kg. of protein, the water consumption for cattle is 22,000 liters and 1 liter for insects. [4]

The Hows: How to Eat Insects? Are They Safe to Eat?

Insects Powder Can Be Used for Virtually Anything.

Comforting news. You don't have to eat insects in their natural form. Their powder is indistinguishable in products, like protein rich bars, bread, after-workout smoothies, etc. No gluten, no starch. It's neutral but still contains all of the nutritional value.

And there is no need to completely change your eating habits immediately. Start with baby steps, for example, incorporating cricket snacks into your daily diet. There are 4 smart tips for meat-lovers on how to eat less meat today.

Crickets Are Officially Confirmed Safe to Eat.

Because of the potential environmental and economic benefits Efsa, the EU food safety agency, has just declared them safe to eat. [5]

Edible insects do not make contact with the natural environment. The safety is constantly controlled to avoid any escapes. Insects are processed into finished products using automated mechanical processes. All of the processes are closely monitored, and there are several places where potential issues can be spotted.

Where Can You Buy Edible Insects?

Not to brag, but we have some delicious snacks based on insects to choose from... Start slow and try sustainable snacks, like protein bars. And if you are being more curious, get yourself high protein pasta to experiment in the kitchen.

What Will It Take For Us to Eat Insects?

They're healthy. They're sustainable. So why don't humans eat more of them?

Diet changes happen gradually. Rewind a few decades ago, the thought of sushi was repulsive to the public - but only because of a lack of experience and familiarity.

No one expects the switch to happen fast, but if the benefits of insect protein meet your beliefs, why not give them a try?