Insects as food: the latest update

The idea of adding or substituting insects for other protein foods is a big deal these days, if you count the amount of venture capital going into insect food startups.

Here are a few of the latest things I’ve seen on the topic.  Enjoy!

• Edible Insects Crawl Into the Food Market Amid Growing Investment Based on Climate and Security Benefits:   More governments, large companies and investors are joining start-ups in the quest to deliver edible insects to the world’s dining tables.  Insects turn energy into protein more efficiently and with less environmental impact than livestock, but some critics raise concerns.
• Interest in eating insects can be increased, study shows:  At a time when meat consumption is increasingly being seen as unsustainable, eating insects is for many a comparatively better option. However, many people in the West find insects difficult to stomach. A new study shows that it is possible to increase people’s interest in insect consumption…. Read more
• Termites as human foods—A comprehensive review:  This paper aims to share recent findings by covering edible termites as the main aspect, from their consumption record until consumer acceptance.  Read More
• Could eating insects slow weight gain in people with obesity?  A new study suggests consuming insect protein slows weight gain and improves health status in obese mice. The findings are promising for humans, lead study author Kelly Swanson, interim director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, tells FoodNavigator…. Read more
• Insect-protein dog food producer in rapid growth mode:  Percuro, based in Europe, is investing in production capacity to keep up with its fast global sales growth. Read more