Gone are the days when the only source of protein was the big three meats. Now, people in the modern world are waking up to the fact that edible insects, bugs, and worms are a fantastic source of nutrients.
When prepared the right way, bug snacks are also a tasty treat worth indulging in.
Edible insects are delicious and nutritious. They are eco-friendly, low in cost, and crunchy. They are appealing to adventurous, environmentalists, and health obsessives alike.
What Are Edible Insects Snacks?
Insect snacks are a pretty straightforward concept. Yep—they’re snacks made up of edible bugs! They often come flavored, dried, fried, and salted to appeal to our taste buds.
These bugs can serve as an appetizer, midday snack, or post-workout protein. However you wish to consume your bug snacks, they’re ready for the crunch.
Why Are Bug Snacks Becoming So Popular?
Bugs have been a staple in Eastern cuisine for longer than we can record.
In places like Thailand, Mexico, and China, people still set up market stalls with worms and crickets ready for the taking.
In fact, hundreds of countries worldwide practice entomophagy (insect-eating).
As proteins like pork, beef, and chicken rose in popularity, bugs dwindled from the Western conscience. Over time, Americans became fearful of the concept.
However, with our current climate crisis and the need for alternative sources of nutrients, something has to give. That’s where bug snacks come into play.
Bug farmers are paving the way for what is now a novel source of nutrition. With dried and preserved snacks made of edible bugs, they are able to provide food without using a tremendous amount of resources (much less than that of cows, for instance).
Are These Insects And Worms Safe To Eat?
Any insect that’s being turned into a commercial snack is going to be safe to consume. In fact, they’re rather nutritious. Protein, vitamins, and minerals are all a part of the insect picture.
Is there any way you’d encounter an issue eating bugs? Well, if you have a personal allergy, you may run into trouble. Otherwise, the only way would be to trek into the woods and pick up a critter without properly identifying it.
List Of Edible Insects
As it turns out, there are 2,111 species of insects on the planet that are safe for human consumption. Some of the most popular edible bugs include:
Insects that are the most eaten:
- crickets
- beetles
- butterflies
- moths
- bees
- wasps
- ants
- woodlouse
- bamboo borer
- grasshoppers
- cicadas
- locusts
- caterpillars
- centipede
- giant water bugs
- worms
- flies
- scorpion
- mosquitos
- stinkbugs
- and more…
And here I thought that mosquitos were good for nothing…
There are many more edible insects that I have listed above, so don’t worry, you won’t run out of options anytime soon.
An average size insect is about half the protein by dry weight. Some insects, such as Crickets and Grasshoppers, are up to about 72% protein.
How Are Bugs Processed And Eaten?
The most common way to prepare insect snacks is by drying them. Depending on how close you are to a bug dealer, you can also serve them fresh by frying or sautéing.
Oftentimes, you’ll find bug protein that’s dried and powdered. I’ve even seen handmade tortillas crafted using cricket powder (you’d never guess the secret ingredient just by tasting it).
Let’s Bug You With Some Facts…
- Entomophagy is the human practice of eating insects. It’s an ancient practice, and it’s making one heck of a comeback.
- Bamboo worms, non mai phai, are a Thai delicacy. During the rainy season, these worms come out to play. Some local markets will serve them fried and salted.
- A serving of rhinoceros beetles has more protein than chicken and beef alike.
- Grasshoppers contain more protein than beef. Grasshoppers have 72 percent protein content and all the essential amino acids. They also provide lipids or healthy fats.
- About 80% of the world’s countries eat bugs. America is not one of them!
- Australian aboriginals thought to steep weaver ant larvae in water to create a citrusy refreshment. So these bugs do more than just bite!
- Silkworms can be bred in interplanetary orbit, so there’s no reason astronauts shouldn’t take the protein with them!
- During the Khmer Rouge, Cambodians took to tarantulas. They haven’t looked back since.
- The UN is active in promoting bug snacks. The nation understands the environmental and social benefits of including insects in our regular diet.
- In China’s Shandong cuisine, deep-fried golden cicada—Zha Jinchan—is a must-try.
The Best Bug Snacks To Try
Low in carbs, high in protein, and a great source of fiber, this fab range of critters below can be eaten straight from the packet as a nourishing snack or added to your food for an extra punch of protein.
Here are a few of the top contenders worth tying:
Try These Bug Snacks If You Know What’s Good For You…
1. Mixed Bag Of Edible Bugs. Grasshoppers, Silk Worms, Sago Worms, And Mole Crickets
That mixed bag of yummy crunchiness below would be my first recommended choice, especially if you have never knowingly eaten any bug before.
This bag has a great selection of different tastes to help you discover your favorite one. Also, these are great fun to share with your kids. Don’t hesitate, try them now. I know that you want to.
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
2. Thai Crispy Bamboo Worms
Another one of my personal favorites, bamboo worms takes on any flavoring. These crispy bamboo worms can become an addictive treat.
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
3. Larvets – Seasoned For Snacking
When you were a kid and were told not to eat bugs, your parents probably did not know that they could taste that good.
Now that you are grown up, you can start eating bugs without any fear of being told off.
Make your coworkers jealous when snaking on these light and crispy whole mealworms.
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
4. Mexican Grasshoppers
With salt, garlic, chili, and even some lemon flavoring, this natural and nutritious treat has a lot going for it. Great for foodies and adventurers. Try it now!
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
5. Roasted Crickets
These roasted crickets may not be your everyday chips, but they’re just as good and far more proteinous.
One of the main reasons I like to snack on these crickets is their nutty and really crunchy flavor.
They leave a pleasant aftertaste, and they have a very familiar texture. Have a try and comment below what you think.
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
6. Cricket Powder
Use it in meal replacement shakes, instead of pre-workout formula, or as a flour substitute in baked goods.
TAP ON IMAGE TO CHECK PRICE
The great thing about this cricket powder is that it is gluten-free and full of nutrients. It is perfect for combining with regular cooking flour to use in your recipes.
I suggest that you blend 1 part of cricket powder to every 5 to 10 parts of normal flour.
And Stay Away From These Crunchy Critters
To save you some trouble, I am laying out a few insect snacks that just aren’t worth your time:
- Ladybugs – They’re technically edible, but far from delicious. These creatures are best left to nature.
- Weaver Ants – Many cultures enjoy the flavor of these ants. However, you need to consume so many of them to reap any sort of benefit.
- Dung Beetles – There are many beetles worth trying, but the dung beetle is not one of them. Some call them an acquired taste, but why acquire it when you have so many other flavorful options?
A general rule of thumb is to avoid colorful bugs.
Typically, these critters don’t need to camouflage themselves in the wild due to their naturally bitter taste. There’s a difference between edible bugs and tasty insects!
Dig Into Bug Snacks of Every Kind
If I could give you a single takeaway, it’d be to try something new. Even if bug snacks seem unsavory to your trained palate, know this: there are some seriously tasty treats worth munching on in the realm of edible bugs.
And if you encounter some snacks you’re not so fond of, try something else. You’re bound to unearth a worm or beetle that makes you drool!
Everything You Need To Know About Eating Insects (Video)
If you are still not convinced of participating in entomophagy, then watch this video below. It is not only informative and compelling, but it will certainly get your taste buds going.
Check out a good selection of ready-to-eat insects and worms here>>>
In most Western countries, entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) is not widely practiced. However, 72% of Americans said that they would be willing to try edible insects.
