Edible Insects: The Protein of the Poor?

While three quarters of the food industry and NGOs claim to be looking for solutions to solve the challenge of feeding the world’s growing population, two vital questions still go unanswered: How will corporate responsibility initiatives lead to finding solutions to the world food challenge? How prepared are we as citizens (and corporations) to take the […]

While three quarters of the food industry and NGOs claim to be looking for solutions to solve the challenge of feeding the world’s growing population, two vital questions still go unanswered:

1. How will corporate responsibility initiatives lead to finding solutions to the world food challenge?
2. How prepared are we as citizens (and corporations) to take the steps necessary to reduce biodiversity devastation?

Is there no other way or viable alternative?

A small, mighty and much-overlooked source of protein has been buzzing around news and media channels over the past decade: entomophagy, otherwise known as the consumption of insects as food.

Entomophagy is already common in many parts of the world. Slowly but surely, the prospect of introducing insects into our daily diet as a viable alternative for North Americans and Europeans is gaining traction. Once the personal opinions and genuine “ick factor” are set aside, that is.

In an attempt to dismiss insect protein as a viable alternative, many say edible insects are food for the poor. In some regions of the world where resources are scarce, insect protein may be the only alternative. But to assume it is a poor man’s food is to insult some fellow countries’ cultures where edible insects are a staple, traditional food and even, in some cases, a true delicacy!

The immediate challenge, however, is to move forward on resolving regulatory issues and establishing a scalable way of breeding, transforming and distributing edible insects as a significant protein source for human consumption.

Progress and awareness are being made thanks to top universities worldwide and the dedication of entomology experts such as Professors Eric Haubruge, Jürg Grunder and Arnold van Huis and companies like New Generation Nutrition BV, Insect Europe BV, Aspire among other brave ones.