Insects - a proteinaceous delicacy for some
The spirits divide over insect food. Some swear by the protein-containing snack, others disgust at the sight. We show which insects are already on the world's plates today.
Worldwide around 2 billion people eat insects on a regular basis. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids – comparable to fish. The most commonly consumed insect species are beetles with 31%, followed by caterpillars (18%) and bees, wasps and ants (14%). In Cambodia, Tarantulas have been part of the diet for generations. Mopane worms are considered a delicacy in Southern Africa and eggs of the weaver ant in Southeast Asia. Since 1 January 2018 insects in EU are covered by the Novel-Food-Regulation. Approved insect products can now be distributed throughout the EU.
More than 1 million discovered species of insects wordwide – and probably many more undiscovered species.
Worldwide around 2 billion people eat insects on a regular basis.
On average, insects can convert 2 kg of food into 1 kg of Insect Mass. By comparison, cattle need 8 kg of food to produce 1 kg of body mass.
Where are edible Insect Species ?
The most commonly consumed insect species
Insects can be cultivated on biowaste. They convert this into high-quality Protein which can be used for animal food.
In Cambodia, Tarantulas have been part of the diet for generations.
Insect species such as Mopane worms in Southern Africa and eggs of the weaver ant in Southeast Asia are considered Delicacies and can achieve high prices.
More than 1,900 edible insect species are consumed worldwide.
Most insect species are rich in unsaturated fatty acids – comparable to fish. They also contain fiber and micronutrients such as cooper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
Worldwide there are already more than 1 million discovered species of insects – and probably many more undiscovered species.
Since 1 January 2018 insects in EU are covered by the Novel-Food-Regulation. Approved insect products can now be distributed throughout the EU.