Insects as food

Human consumption of 2,205 different insect species has been documented.{{cite journal |last1=Omuse |first1=Evanson R. |last2=Tonnang |first2=Henri E. Z. |last3=Yusuf |first3=Abdullahi Ahmed |last4=Machekano |first4=Honest |last5=Egonyu |first5=James Peter |last6=Kimathi |first6=Emily |last7=Mohamed |first7=Samira Faris |last8=Kassie |first8=Menale |last9=Subramanian |first9=Sevgan |last10=Onditi |first10=Juliet |last11=Mwangi |first11=Serah |last12=Ekesi |first12=Sunday |last13=Niassy |first13=Saliou |title=The global atlas of edible insects: analysis of diversity and commonality contributing to food systems and sustainability |journal=Scientific Reports |date=2024 |volume=14 |pages=5045 |doi=10.1038/s41598-024-55603-7 |doi-access=free|pmc=10904393 }}

The table below ranks insect order by number and percentage of confirmed species consumed and presents each insect orders' percentage of known insect species diversity.{{Cite book |last=Huis |first=Arnold van |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/868923724 |title=Edible insects : future prospects for food and feed security |date=2013 |isbn=978-92-5-107596-8 |location=Rome |oclc=868923724}} With the exceptions of orders Orthoptera and Diptera, there is close alignment between species diversity and consumption, suggesting that humans tend to eat those insects that are most available.

File:Edible insects.pngInsect species consumption varies by region due to differences in environment, ecosystems, and climate.{{Cite book |last=Harris |first=Marvin |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/43638785 |title=Good to eat : riddles of food and culture |date=1998 |publisher=Waveland Press |isbn=1-57766-015-3 |location=Prospect Heights, Ill. |oclc=43638785}}{{Cite journal |last=Lesnik |first=Julie J. |date=2017 |title=Not just a fallback food: global patterns of insect consumption related to geography, not agriculture |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.22976 |journal=American Journal of Human Biology |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=e22976 |doi=10.1002/ajhb.22976 |pmid=28146300 |s2cid=4578009 |issn=1042-0533}} The number of insect species consumed by country is highest in equatorial and sub-tropical regions, a reflection of greater insect abundance and biodiversity observed at lower latitudes and their year-round availability.{{Cite journal |last=Cruz y Celis Peniche |first=Patricio |date=January 2022 |title=Drivers of insect consumption across human populations |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/evan.21926 |journal=Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews |language=en |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=45–59 |doi=10.1002/evan.21926 |pmid=34644813 |s2cid=238860260 |issn=1060-1538}}{{Cite journal |last1=Kishimoto-Yamada |first1=Keiko |last2=Itioka |first2=Takao |date=October 2015 |title=How much have we learned about seasonality in tropical insect abundance since Wolda (1988)?: Seasonality in tropical insect abundance |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ens.12134 |journal=Entomological Science |language=en |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=407–419 |doi=10.1111/ens.12134|s2cid=82175556 }}

For a list of edible insects consumed locally see: List of edible insects by country.

To increase consumer interest in Western markets such as Europe and North America, insects have been processed into a non‐recognizable form, such as powders or flour.{{Cite journal|last1=Melgar-Lalanne|first1=Guiomar|last2=Hernández-Álvarez|first2=Alan-Javier|last3=Salinas-Castro|first3=Alejandro|date=2019|title=Edible Insects Processing: Traditional and Innovative Technologies|journal=Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety|language=en|volume=18|issue=4|pages=1166–1191|doi=10.1111/1541-4337.12463|pmid=33336989|issn=1541-4337|doi-access=free}} Policymakers, academics,Christos I Rumbos, Christos G Athanassiou (3 April 2021): ‘Insects as Food and Feed: If You Can't Beat Them, Eat Them!'—To the Magnificent Seven and Beyond. In: Journal of Insect Science, Volume 21, Issue 2, March 2021, 9, https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/ieab019. as well as large-scale insect food producers such as Entomofarms in Canada, Aspire Food Group in the United States,{{cite web |author=Carson, Erin |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/edible-insects-crickets-mealworms-farm-protein/ |title=You're going to be eating crickets, so just get over it |publisher=Cnet |date=12 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010090810/https://www.cnet.com/news/edible-insects-crickets-mealworms-farm-protein/ |archive-date=10 October 2018}} Protifarm and Protix in the Netherlands, and Bühler Group in Switzerland, focus on seven insect species suitable for human consumption as well as industrialized mass production:{{Cite book|url=https://e-insects.wageningenacademic.com/preview|title=Insects As Food and Feed: From Production to Consumption|last=van Huis|first=Arnold|isbn=9789086862962|date=2017-09-15|publisher=Wageningen Academic Publishers|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-date=2021-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302230517/https://e-insects.wageningenacademic.com/preview|url-status=dead}}

• Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as larvae
• Lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus) as larvae, mostly marketed under the term buffalo worms.File:InPact Protein Pancakes Strawberries.jpg]]
• House cricket (Acheta domesticus)
• Tropical house cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus)
• European migratory locust (Locusta migratoria)
• Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)
• Housefly (Musca domestica)

Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) is collected to produce carmine, a red dye used for textiles and food.

It was largely substituted with synthetic dyes like alizarin.

Fears over the safety of artificial food additives renewed the popularity of cochineal dyes, and the increased demand has made cultivation of the insect profitable again,{{cite journal |last1=Liberato Portillo Martinez |last2=Ana Lilia Vigueras Guzmán |title=Natural Enemies of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa): Importance in Mexico |journal=Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development |date=1998-04-15 |volume=3 |url=https://www.jpacd.net/jpacd/article/view/158/133 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213104751/https://www.jpacd.net/jpacd/article/view/158/133 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=28 March 2022 }} with Peru being the largest producer, followed by Mexico, Chile, Argentina and the Canary Islands.{{cite journal |last1=Miller |first1=Brittney J. |title=Cochineal, a red dye from bugs, moves to the lab |journal=Knowable Magazine |date=25 March 2022 |doi=10.1146/knowable-032522-1 |url=https://knowablemagazine.org/article/technology/2022/cochineal-red-dye-bugs-moves-lab |access-date=28 March 2022 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421092908/https://knowablemagazine.org/article/technology/2022/cochineal-red-dye-bugs-moves-lab |url-status=live |doi-access=free }}

Mehlwürmer als Lebensmittel.jpg|Freeze-dried mealworms as food (or food ingredient)

Buffalowürmer als Lebensmittel.jpg|Buffalo worms as food (or ingredient)

Heimchen (Grillen) als Lebensmittel.jpg|House crickets as food (or ingredient)

Wanderheuschrecken als Lebensmittel.jpg|Migratory locusts as food (or ingredient)

File:Mealworms as food and Buffaloworms as food-2395.jpg)]]

The nutritional profiles of edible insects are highly variable given the large number of species consumed. In addition to species differences, nutritional content can be affected by geographic origin and production method (wild or farmed), diet, age, development stage, and sex.{{Cite journal |last1=Kulma |first1=Martin |last2=Kouřimská |first2=Lenka |last3=Homolková |first3=Dana |last4=Božik |first4=Matěj |last5=Plachý |first5=Vladimír |last6=Vrabec |first6=Vladimír |date=2020-09-01 |title=Effect of developmental stage on the nutritional value of edible insects. A case study with Blaberus craniifer and Zophobas morio |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157519315571 |journal=Journal of Food Composition and Analysis |language=en |volume=92 |pages=103570 |doi=10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103570 |s2cid=225277178 |issn=0889-1575}} For instance, female house crickets (Acheta domestica) contain more fat than males, while males contain more protein than females.{{Cite journal |last1=Kulma |first1=Martin |last2=Kouřimská |first2=Lenka |last3=Plachý |first3=Vladimír |last4=Božik |first4=Matěj |last5=Adámková |first5=Anna |last6=Vrabec |first6=Vladimír |date=2019-01-30 |title=Effect of sex on the nutritional value of house cricket, Acheta domestica L. |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030881461831450X |journal=Food Chemistry |language=en |volume=272 |pages=267–272 |doi=10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.08.049 |pmid=30309543 |s2cid=52967371 |issn=0308-8146}}

Some insects (e.g. crickets, mealworms) are a source of complete protein and provide similar essential amino acid levels as soybeans, though less than casein.{{Cite journal |last1=Yi |first1=Liya |last2=Lakemond |first2=Catriona M. M. |last3=Sagis |first3=Leonard M. C. |last4=Eisner-Schadler |first4=Verena |last5=van Huis |first5=Arnold |last6=van Boekel |first6=Martinus A. J. S. |date=2013-12-15 |title=Extraction and characterisation of protein fractions from five insect species |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814613007218 |journal=Food Chemistry |language=en |volume=141 |issue=4 |pages=3341–3348 |doi=10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.05.115 |pmid=23993491 |issn=0308-8146}}{{cite journal |last1=Van Huis |first1=Arnold |title=Edible insects contributing to food security? |journal=Agriculture & Food Security |date=2015 |volume=4 |issue=20 |doi=10.1186/s40066-015-0041-5|doi-access=free }} They have dietary fiber, essential minerals, vitamins such as B12,{{cite journal |last1=Schmidt |first1=Anatol |last2=Call |first2=Lisa |last3=Macheiner |first3=Lukas |last4=Mayer |first4=Helmut K. |year=2018 |title=Determination of vitamin B12 in four edible insect species by immunoaffinity and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography |journal=Food Chemistry |volume=281 |pages=124–129 |doi=10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.12.039 |pmid=30658738 |s2cid=58651702}} riboflavin and vitamin A, and include mostly unsaturated fat.https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/10/eating-bugs-food_n_4726371.html?slideshow=true Here's Why You Should Start Eating (More) BugsFAO: Edible insects: future prospects for food and feed security. Online: [http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3253e/i3253e06.pdf PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204211732/http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3253e/i3253e06.pdf |date=2019-02-04 }}.

Locusts contain between 8 and 20 milligrams of iron for every 100 grams of raw locust, whereas beef contains roughly 6 milligrams of iron in the same amount of meat.{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Alan |date=2022-05-08 |title=Locust and chips |url=https://www.openforum.com.au/locust-and-chips/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Openforum |language=en-GB}} Crickets are also very efficient in terms of nutrients. For every 100 grams of substance crickets contain 12.9 grams of protein, 121 calories, and 5.5 grams of fat. Beef contains more protein, containing 23.5 grams in 100 grams of substance, but also has roughly triple the calories and four times the amount of fat as crickets do in 100 grams.

File:Chapulines snack grasshopers.jpg, a popular edible grasshopper of Mexico]]The organoleptic characteristics of edible insects vary between species and are influenced by environment.{{Cite journal |last1=Kouřimská |first1=Lenka |last2=Adámková |first2=Anna |date=2016-10-01 |title=Nutritional and sensory quality of edible insects |journal=NFS Journal |language=en |volume=4 |pages=22–26 |doi=10.1016/j.nfs.2016.07.001 |issn=2352-3646|doi-access=free }} For instance, aquatic edible insects such as water boatmen (family Corixidae) and dragonfly larvae have a fish flavor, while diving beetles taste more like clams.{{Cite book |last=Ramos-Elorduy |first=Julieta |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/37966440 |title=Creepy crawly cuisine : the gourmet guide to edible insects |date=1998 |others=Peter Menzel, Nancy Esteban |isbn=0-89281-747-X |location=Rochester, VT |oclc=37966440}}{{Cite web |title=Insects as Food {{!}} Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County |url=https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/bugflavor.shtml |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=lancaster.unl.edu}} Environment is not always a predictor of flavor, as terrestrial edible insects may also exhibit fish-like flavors (e.g. crickets, grasshoppers). Over 400 volatile compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of edible insects have been identified.{{Cite journal |last1=Perez-Santaescolastica |first1=Cristina |last2=De Winne |first2=Ann |last3=Devaere |first3=Jolien |last4=Fraeye |first4=Ilse |date=2022 |title=The flavour of edible insects: A comprehensive review on volatile compounds and their analytical assessment |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0924224422003004 |journal=Trends in Food Science & Technology |language=en |volume=127 |pages=352–367 |doi=10.1016/j.tifs.2022.07.011|s2cid=250938321 }} Pheromone chemicals contribute to pungent aromas and flavors in some species and the presence of organic acids (like formic acid in ants) makes some species taste sour.{{Cite journal |last1=Mishyna |first1=Maryia |last2=Chen |first2=Jianshe |last3=Benjamin |first3=Ofir |date=2020-01-01 |title=Sensory attributes of edible insects and insect-based foods – Future outlooks for enhancing consumer appeal |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224419302523 |journal=Trends in Food Science & Technology |language=en |volume=95 |pages=141–148 |doi=10.1016/j.tifs.2019.11.016 |s2cid=214031663 |issn=0924-2244}} Organoleptic characteristics are dependent on the development stage of the insect (egg, larva, pupa, nymph, or adult) and may change significantly as an insect matures. For example, texture can change from soft to crunchy as an insect develops from larva to adult due to increasing exoskeletal chitin. Cooking method is considered the strongest influence on the final flavor of edible insects. Wet-cooking methods such as scalding or steaming remove pheromones and odor compounds, resulting in a milder flavor, while dry-cooking methods such as frying and roasting introduce more complex flavors.{{Cite journal |last1=Żołnierczyk |first1=Anna K. |last2=Szumny |first2=Antoni |date=2021 |title=Sensory and Chemical Characteristic of Two Insect Species: Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio Larvae Affected by Roasting Processes |journal=Molecules |language=en |volume=26 |issue=9 |pages=2697 |doi=10.3390/molecules26092697 |issn=1420-3049 |pmc=8124484 |pmid=34064526 |doi-access=free }}

The table below provides common flavor descriptors for a selection of edible insects. Flavors will vary with preparation method (e.g. raw, dried, fried, etc.). Insect development stage is provided when possible.

{{See also|Insect farming}}

File:Cricket Shelter Modular Edible Insect Farm IMG 20200219 163454590.jpg ]]

File:Bolikhamxay Thabok Crickets.JPGs being raised for human consumption|alt=Crickets]]

Edible insects are raised as livestock in specialized insect farms. In North American as well as European countries such as the Netherlands or Belgium, insects are produced under strict food law and hygiene standards for human consumption.

Conditions such as temperature, humidity, feed, water sources, and housing, vary depending on the insect species. The insects are raised from eggs to larvae status (mealworms, lesser mealworms) or to their mature form (crickets, locusts) in industrialized insect farms and then killed via temperature control.The Atlantic (2015-09-24): [https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/americas-cricket-farmers/406843/ "The companies farming crickets for human consumption"].Forbes (2018-01-39): [https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2018/01/30/farming-the-next-big-food-source-crickets/#57c655c31168 "Farming The Next Big Food Source: Crickets"]. Culled insects may be freeze-dried and packed whole, or pulverized to insect powder (insect flour) to be used in other food products such as baked goods or snacks.

In addition to nutritional composition and digestibility, insect species are selected for ease of rearing by the producer based on factors such as disease susceptibility, feed conversion efficiency, rate of development, and generational turnover.{{cite journal |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0144601 |pmid=26699129 |title=Feed Conversion, Survival and Development, and Composition of Four Insect Species on Diets Composed of Food By-Products |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=10 |issue=12 |pages=e0144601 |year=2015 |last1=Oonincx |first1=Dennis G. A. B |last2=Van Broekhoven |first2=Sarah |last3=Van Huis |first3=Arnold |last4=Van Loon |first4=Joop J. A |bibcode=2015PLoSO..1044601O|pmc=4689427 |doi-access=free }}

The following processed foods are produced in North America (including Canada), and the EU:

• Insect flour: Pulverized, freeze-dried insects (e.g., cricket flour).
• Insect burger: Hamburger patties made from insect powder / insect flour (mainly from mealworms or from house cricket) and other ingredients.Food Navigator (2018-10-12): [https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2018/10/12/Bugfoundation-s-vision-To-change-the-eating-habits-of-a-whole-continent Article on the insect burger by German start-up Bugfoundation].
• Insect fitness bars: Protein bars containing insect powder (mostly house crickets).
• Insect pasta: Pasta made of wheat flour, fortified with insect flour (house crickets or mealworms).
• Insect bread (Finnish Sirkkaleipä): Bread baked with insect flour (mostly house crickets).Reuters (2017-11-23): [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-finland-ediblebugs/finland-baker-launches-bread-made-from-crushed-crickets-idUSKBN1DN17E Finland baker launches bread made from crushed crickets].
• Insect snacks: Crisps, flips or small snacks (bites) made with insect powder and other ingredients.Bug Burger (2019-3-11): [https://www.bugburger.se/test/future-food-now-finnish-bugbites-and-norwegian-mealworm-bread/ Future food now: Finnish Bugbites and Norwegian mealworm bread].

Food and drink companies such as the Australian brewery Bentspoke Brewing Co, Canadian Crickstart Food, and the South African startup Gourmet Grubb have introduced insect-based beer,{{cite news|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6504715/hop-into-a-beer-made-of-crickets-and-flies/|title=Hop into a BentSpoke beer made of crickets and flies|date=22 November 2019|last=Hardy|first=Karen|publisher=Canberra Times|access-date=5 April 2020}} protein bars,{{cite web |url=https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/canadian-food-startup-wants-you-eat-crickets-heres-why |title=This Canadian food startup wants you to eat crickets. Here’s why |date=15 January 2018 |website=Canadian Geographic |access-date=14 May 2018}} a milk alternative, and insect ice cream.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/25/business/gourmet-grubb-insect-ice-cream-intl/index.html|title=Could this insect ice cream convince you to eat bugs?|first=Stephanie |last=Bailey|website=CNN|date=25 July 2019|access-date=2020-03-01}}

File:Insect based food (142934).jpg|Insect energy bar made with processed crickets

File:Entis BugBites oat snacks with cultivated cricket flour.jpg|Insect snacks (bites) with cultivated cricket flour and oat

In the European Union, edible insects – whole or in parts, e.g., legs, wings, or heads – fall within the definition of novel food, given by the European Commission.European Commission (2018-01-03): [https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/safety/docs/fs_novel-food_leg_q-n-a-new-regulation-nf_en.pdf Questions and Answers: New Novel Food Regulation] Dossiers for several insect species are currently under review by the European Food Safety Authority.

In August 2018, EFSA published a first risk profile for the house cricket as food.European Food Safety Authority (28 August 2018): [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/e16082 Novel foods: a risk profile for the house cricket (Acheta domesticus)]. According to a risk assessment published by EFSA on 13 January 2021, the yellow mealworm is safe for human consumption.European Food Safety Authority (13 January 2021): [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6343 Safety of dried yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283]. In: EFSA Journal.{{Cite web|last=Boffey|first=Daniel|date=2021-01-13|title=Yellow mealworm safe for humans to eat, says EU food safety agency|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/13/yellow-mealworm-safe-for-humans-to-eat-says-eu-food-safety-agency|access-date=2021-01-15|website=The Guardian|language=en}} On 2 July 2021, EFSA published another scientific opinion stating that migratory locust in frozen, dried or ground state is safe for human consumption.EFSA (2 July 2021): [https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6667 Safety of frozen and dried formulations from migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283]. In: EFSA Journal. Vol. 19, Issue 7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6667. On 17 August 2021, EFSA published a safety assessment with view to house crickets (Acheta domesticus) stating that frozen and dried formulations from whole house crickets are safe for consumption.EFSA (17 August 2021): [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6779 Safety of frozen and dried formulations from whole house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283]. In: EFSA Journal 2021;19(8):6779. On 4 July 2022, EFSA published an opinion confirming the safety of frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus in larval state) for human consumption.EFSA (4 July 2022): [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7325 Safety of frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus larva) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283]. In: EFSA Journal 2022;20(7):7325. doi: https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7325

Following EFSA's assessment, the European Commission has authorized the following edible insects as novel food in the EU:

• Dried Tenebrio molitor larvae (mealworms) with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/882 of 1 June 2021 (in force on 22 June 2021).EU Commission (2 June 2021): [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0882&qid=1622617276506 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/882 of 1 June 2021 authorising the placing on the market of dried Tenebrio molitor larva as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470].
• Frozen, dried and powdered forms of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1975 of 12 November 2021 (in force on 5 December 2021).EU Commission (15 November 2021): [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R1975 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1975 of 12 November 2021 authorising the placing on the market of frozen, dried and powder forms of Locusta migratoria as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470].
• Frozen, dried and powdered forms of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/188 of 10 February 2022.EU Commission (11 February 2022): [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022R0188 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/188 of 10 February 2022 authorising the placing on the market of frozen, dried and powder forms of Acheta domesticus as a novel food under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470].
• Frozen, paste, dried and powder forms of lesser mealworm larvae (Alphitobius diaperinus) with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/58 of 5 January 2023.EU Commission (6 January 2023): [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R0058 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/58 of 5 January 2023 authorising the placing on the market of the frozen, paste, dried and powder forms of Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as a novel food and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470].

On 1 May 2017, Switzerland approved the following insect species as food:Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (2017-04-28): [https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/de/home/lebensmittel-und-ernaehrung/lebensmittelsicherheit/einzelne-lebensmittel/insekten.html#-399311545 "Insects as food"] (German only)

• House cricket (Acheta domesticus)
• European locust (Locusta migratoria)
• Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor as larvae)

Under certain conditions, these may be offered to consumers whole, pulverized, or processed in food products.

After the Brexit transition period, the regulation regarding edible insects changed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2021, making them non-marketable without authorization.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} Insect food products that had been on the market had to be recalled. Insect food products have to be authorized by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in a novel food authorization process.Food Manufacture (4 November 2021): [https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Expertise/Legal/What-is-the-legal-status-of-insects-in-the-UK Edible insects left in legal limbo].Vice World News (28 October 2021): [https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7dgmy/edible-insects-that-could-help-stop-climate-change-are-banned-from-major-climate-summit Edible Insects That Could Help Stop Climate Change Are Banned From Major Climate Summit]. In February 2022, UK insect industry association Woven Network CIC submitted a first dossier for the authorization of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as novel food to the FSA.Food Navigator/Oliver Morrison (2 February 2022): [https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2022/02/03/a-major-milestone-for-the-uk-edible-insect-sector-uk-edible-insect-makers-hope-for-novel-food-approval-by-2023 "A major milestone for the UK edible insect sector": UK edible insect makers hope for Novel Food approval by 2023].

In the United States and Canada, insects for human consumption are not classified as novel food and the import and sale is permitted.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} In the United States, insect food products must comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards and food labeling regulations (including allergy risk labelling).Mariod, Abdalbasit Adam (2020): The Legislative Status of Edible Insects in the World. In: Mariod A.A. (eds) African Edible Insects As Alternative Source of Food, Oil, Protein and Bioactive Components. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32952-5_9.

Within the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (FD&C Act), the FDA states that "The term 'food' means (1) articles used for food or drink for man or other animals, (2) chewing gum, and (3) articles used for components of any such article."{{Cite web|url=https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Federal%20Food,%20Drug,%20And%20Cosmetic%20Act.pdf|title=Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act|page=2|access-date=2020-04-13|archive-date=2020-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424095237/https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Federal%20Food,%20Drug,%20And%20Cosmetic%20Act.pdf|url-status=dead}} Thus, with insects falling under said category, they must be safe and may not bear any added poisonous or added deleterious substance that is unsafe. Said items may not be prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, and must be produced in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), regulations for manufacturing/processing, packing, or holding human food.{{Cite web|url=https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Federal%20Food,%20Drug,%20And%20Cosmetic%20Act.pdf|title=Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act|page=5|access-date=2022-04-16|archive-date=2020-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424095237/https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Federal%20Food,%20Drug,%20And%20Cosmetic%20Act.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/food/current-good-manufacturing-practices-cgmps-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-current-good-manufacturing-practice-modernization-report-2005|title=Food Current Good Manufacturing Practice Modernization Report (2005)|website=Food and Drug Administration |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=2020-04-13}} The FD&C Act also includes requirements that pertain to the labeling of food and preventive controls, as applicable. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that the food they produce for the United States market is safe and complies with the FD&C Act and FDA's implementing regulations.{{Cite book |date=2013 |title=Edible Insects: Future prospects for food and security |last1=van Huis |first1=Arnold |last2=Van Itterbeeck |first2=Van Itterbeeck |last3=Klunder |first3=Harmke |publisher=UN FAO |location=Rome |isbn=978-92-5-107595-1 |url=http://www.fao.org/3/i3253e/i3253e.pdf |ref={{harvid|van Huis|2013}}}}

In Canada, insects are subject to the same standards and guidelines as other foods sold in stores or online.{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Canadian Food Inspection Agency |date=2021-09-27 |title=Edible insects: what to know before biting into bugs |url=https://inspection.canada.ca/inspect-and-protect/food-safety/edible-insects/eng/1632237657892/1632245370544 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=inspection.canada.ca}}

Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of insects, such as crickets, silkworms and grasshoppers, for human consumption in the second half of 2023.{{Cite web |last=cue |date=2023-04-07 |title=Singapore to approve 16 species of insects like crickets and grasshoppers to be sold as food {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/16-species-of-insects-like-crickets-silkworms-will-receive-sfa-green-light-to-be-sold-as-food |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}}

The approval of the insects for consumption will be subject to food safety requirements, including treatment processes to kill pathogens and ensuring that they are packed and stored safely to prevent contamination.

Like other foods, the consumption of edible insects could present health risks stemming from biological, toxicological, and allergenic hazards.{{Cite journal |last1=Murefu |first1=T. R. |last2=Macheka |first2=L. |last3=Musundire |first3=R. |last4=Manditsera |first4=F. A. |date=2019-07-01 |title=Safety of wild harvested and reared edible insects: A review |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713519301021 |journal=Food Control |language=en |volume=101 |pages=209–224 |doi=10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.03.003 |s2cid=92035963 |issn=0956-7135}}{{Cite journal |last=Imathiu |first=Samuel |date=2020 |title=Benefits and food safety concerns associated with consumption of edible insects |journal=NFS Journal |language=en |volume=18 |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1016/j.nfs.2019.11.002|s2cid=213206080 |doi-access=free }} Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and mycotoxins; toxological risks are poisons, pesticides, heavy metals and antinutrients; allergenic hazards relate to arginine kinase, tropomyosin and α-Amylase.{{Cite journal|last1=Giampieri |first1=Francesca |last2=Alvarez-Suarez |first2=José M. |last3=Machì |first3=Michele |last4=Cianciosi |first4=Danila |last5=Navarro-Hortal |first5=Maria D. |last6=Battino |first6=Maurizio |date=2022 |title=Edible insects: A novel nutritious, functional, and safe food alternative |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fft2.167 |journal=Food Frontiers |language=en |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=358–365 |doi=10.1002/fft2.167 |s2cid=250288116 |issn=2643-8429|hdl=10481/79765 |hdl-access=free }}

Chitin, a component of insect exoskeletons and other body parts, induces cytokine production in the digestive systems of humans and other mammals. Enzymes break the chitin down into smaller fragments, which trigger an immune response that results in inflammatory and allergic reactions.{{cite journal |last1=Elieh Ali Komi |first1=D |last2=Sharma |first2=L |last3=Dela Cruz |first3=CS |date=1 March 2017 |title=Chitin and Its Effects on Inflammatory and Immune Responses. |journal=Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology |volume=54 |issue=2 |pages=213–223 |doi=10.1007/s12016-017-8600-0 |pmc=5680136 |pmid=28251581}} The human immune response to chitin is thought to be related to the abundance of dust mites as a cause of airway inflammatory disease and parasites as a cause of numerous diseases.

In general, insects harvested from the wild pose a greater risk than farmed insects, and insects consumed raw pose a greater risk than insects that are cooked before consumption. Feed substrate and growing conditions are the main factors influencing the microbiological and chemical hazards of farmed insects.{{Cite journal |last1=Schlüter |first1=Oliver |last2=Rumpold |first2=Birgit |last3=Holzhauser |first3=Thomas |last4=Roth |first4=Angelika |last5=Vogel |first5=Rudi F. |last6=Quasigroch |first6=Walter |last7=Vogel |first7=Stephanie |last8=Heinz |first8=Volker |last9=Jäger |first9=Henry |last10=Bandick |first10=Nils |last11=Kulling |first11=Sabine |last12=Knorr |first12=Dietrich |last13=Steinberg |first13=Pablo |last14=Engel |first14=Karl-Heinz |date=2017 |title=Safety aspects of the production of foods and food ingredients from insects |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201600520 |journal=Molecular Nutrition & Food Research |language=en |volume=61 |issue=6 |pages=1600520 |doi=10.1002/mnfr.201600520|pmid=27623740 |s2cid=29849021 }}{{Cite journal |last1=van der Fels-Klerx |first1=H. J. |last2=Camenzuli |first2=L. |last3=Belluco |first3=S. |last4=Meijer |first4=N. |last5=Ricci |first5=A. |date=2018 |title=Food Safety Issues Related to Uses of Insects for Feeds and Foods: Food safety of insects for feed/food… |journal=Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety |language=en |volume=17 |issue=5 |pages=1172–1183 |doi=10.1111/1541-4337.12385|pmid=33350154 |s2cid=91255789 |doi-access=free }}

The table below combined the data from two studies{{Cite journal |last1=van der Spiegel |first1=M. |last2=Noordam |first2=M.y. |last3=van der Fels-Klerx |first3=H.j. |date=2013-11-01 |title=Safety of Novel Protein Sources (Insects, Microalgae, Seaweed, Duckweed, and Rapeseed) and Legislative Aspects for Their Application in Food and Feed Production |journal=Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety |language=en |volume=12 |issue=6 |pages=662–678 |doi=10.1111/1541-4337.12032 |pmid=33412718 |doi-access=free}}{{Cite journal |last1=Belluco |first1=Simone |last2=Losasso |first2=Carmen |last3=Maggioletti |first3=Michela |last4=Alonzi |first4=Cristiana C. |last5=Paoletti |first5=Maurizio G. |last6=Ricci |first6=Antonia |date=2013-05-01 |title=Edible Insects in a Food Safety and Nutritional Perspective: A Critical Review |journal=Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=296–313 |doi=10.1111/1541-4337.12014 |doi-access=free}} published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety and summarized the potential hazards of the top five insect species consumed by humans.

The hazards identified in the above table can be controlled in various ways. Allergens can be labelled on the package to avoid consumption by allergy-susceptible consumers. Selective farming can be used to minimize chemical hazards, whereas microbial and parasitical hazards can be controlled by cooking processes.

As a further guarantee for consumers, quality labeling has been introduced by the [https://www.entotrust.org Entotrust] programme, an independent and voluntary product certification of insect-based foods, which allows producers to communicate the safety and sustainability of their activities.Lessard BD, Ponce-Reyes R (April 2021). "Edible insects. A roadmap for the strategic growth of an emerging industry"(PDF). [https://research.csiro.au/edibleinsects/wp-content/uploads/sites/347/2021/04/CSIRO-Edible-Insect-Roadmap.pdf] CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). Australia’s National Science Agency.: 35.

With over 2,000 identified edible insects, there are many options for human consumption. Insects may provide a sustainable option for protein sources containing 13-77% protein by dry weight. Some insects may also be used as a fat source boasting up to 67.25% lipids by dry weight. Insects can provide omega-6 and omega-3, iron (proportionally more iron than other major food sources like beef), and zinc. Besides nutrients, the energy obtained by eating insects can be similar to other food sources like beef and chicken depending on what kind of insect is eaten.{{Cite journal |last1=Tao |first1=Jaynie |last2=Li |first2=Yao Olive |date=2018-03-06 |title=Edible insects as a means to address global malnutrition and food insecurity issues |url=https://academic.oup.com/fqs/article/2/1/17/4911878 |journal=Food Quality and Safety |language=en |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=17–26 |doi=10.1093/fqsafe/fyy001 |issn=2399-1399 |doi-access=free}}

There are also environmental benefits from using insects as a food source: Insects require significantly less feed, can be used in feed, and release fewer CO₂ emissions than conventional animal food sources.{{Cite journal |last1=Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye |first1=Amanda |last2=Bawa |first2=Michael |last3=Keith |first3=Regina |last4=Twefik |first4=Sundus |last5=Tewfik |first5=Ihab |date=2021-12-31 |title=Edible Insects: Sustainable nutrient-rich foods to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition |url=https://worldnutritionjournal.org/index.php/wn/article/view/829 |journal=World Nutrition |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=176–189 |doi=10.26596/wn.2021124176-189 |issn=2041-9775}} They can be used to address the issue of depleted agricultural lands as they don't need much space to be reared as compared to livestock. Insects may be a sustainable commercial farming option to support populations struggling with food security due to their nutrition and farming capacities, taking less room to cultivate than other protein sources. Additionally, food waste is a significant issue with 1/3 of food being wasted globally; since insects can eat food waste, and they require less feed, they are a good option to address food waste.{{Cite book |last=Mikkola |first=Heimo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dnL8DwAAQBAJ&q=insects+as+a+solution+to+food+insecurity |title=Edible Insects |date=2020-01-29 |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-1-78985-635-4 |language=en}} However, insect consumption remains less sustainable overall than plant-based food, and insects are often used as feed for aquaculture and livestock rather than for direct human consumption.{{Cite web |last=Lymbery |first=Philip |date=2023-07-27 |title=Insect Farming Isn't Going to Save the Planet |url=https://time.com/6298660/insect-farming-isnt-going-to-save-the-planet/ |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=TIME |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sebo |first=Jeff |date=2021-07-27 |title=Don’t farm bugs |url=https://aeon.co/essays/on-the-torment-of-insect-minds-and-our-moral-duty-not-to-farm-them |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=Aeon |language=en}}

There are challenges associated with the production, processing, and consumption of insects as food.{{Cite journal |last=Huis |first=Arnold |date=2022 |title=Edible insects: Challenges and prospects |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1748-5967.12582 |journal=Entomological Research |language=en |volume=52 |issue=4 |pages=161–177 |doi=10.1111/1748-5967.12582 |s2cid=248275162 |issn=1738-2297}}

Mass production in the insect industry is a concern due to a lack of technology and funds to efficiently harvest and produce insects. The machinery would have to house proper enclosure for each life cycle of the insect as well as the temperature control as that is key for insect development.Rumpold, B.A., & Schlüter O.K. (2013) Potential and challenges of insects as an innovative source for food and feed production. Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol 17, 1–11.

The availability of wild-harvested insects can be seasonally dependent.{{Cite journal |last1=Tagawa |first1=Kazuki |last2=Hosoya |first2=Tadatsugu |last3=Hyakumura |first3=Kimihiko |last4=Suzuki |first4=Dai |last5=Yoshizawa |first5=Satoshi |last6=Praxaysombath |first6=Bounthob |date=2022-04-18 |title=The effects of season, geography, and urbanization on the diversity of edible insects at food markets in Laos |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=e0267307 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0267307 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=9015116 |pmid=35436314 |bibcode=2022PLoSO..1767307T |doi-access=free }} This presents a challenge, as many wild-harvested insects have a short shelf life, sometimes of only a day or two.{{Cite journal |last=Imathiu |first=Samuel |date=2020-03-01 |title=Benefits and food safety concerns associated with consumption of edible insects |journal=NFS Journal |language=en |volume=18 |pages=1–11 |doi=10.1016/j.nfs.2019.11.002 |s2cid=213206080 |issn=2352-3646|doi-access=free }} Identifying methods of processing and storing that extend the shelf life of seasonal insects will improve the efficiency of their harvest and consumption.

The concept of eating insects is generally taboo in Western cultures.{{cite web |last1=Guynup |first1=Sharon |title=For Most People, Eating Bugs Is Only Natural |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/eating-bugs-cultural-cuisine |website=National Geographic |access-date=29 May 2024}} In recent years however, a certain level of interest was observed according to related consumer studies.{{Cite journal |last=Lombardi |first=Alessia |last2=Vecchio |first2=Riccardo |last3=Borrello |first3=Massimiliano |last4=Caracciolo |first4=Francesco |last5=Cembalo |first5=Luigi |date=2019-03-01 |title=Willingness to pay for insect-based food: The role of information and carrier |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0950329318305226 |journal=Food Quality and Preference |volume=72 |pages=177–187 |doi=10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.10.001 |issn=0950-3293}}{{Cite journal |last=Mishyna |first=Maryia |last2=Chen |first2=Jianshe |last3=Benjamin |first3=Ofir |date=2020-01-01 |title=Sensory attributes of edible insects and insect-based foods – Future outlooks for enhancing consumer appeal |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0924224419302523 |journal=Trends in Food Science & Technology |volume=95 |pages=141–148 |doi=10.1016/j.tifs.2019.11.016 |issn=0924-2244}}{{Cite journal |last=Kasza |first=Gyula |last2=Izsó |first2=Tekla |last3=Szakos |first3=Dávid |last4=Nugraha |first4=Widya Satya |last5=Tamimi |first5=Masagus Haidir |last6=Süth |first6=Miklós |date=2023-09-01 |title=Insects as food - Changes in consumers’ acceptance of entomophagy in Hungary between 2016 and 2021 |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0195666323018160 |journal=Appetite |volume=188 |pages=106770 |doi=10.1016/j.appet.2023.106770 |issn=0195-6663|doi-access=free }}{{Cite journal |last=Iannuzzi |first=Enrica |last2=Sisto |first2=Roberta |last3=Nigro |first3=Claudio |date=2019-10-31 |title=The willingness to consume insect-based food: an empirical research on Italian consumers |url=http://agricecon.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/87/2019-AGRICECON.html |journal=Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika) |volume=65 |issue=10 |pages=454–462 |doi=10.17221/87/2019-AGRICECON|doi-access=free }} Backlash against using insects as food has also involved conspiracy theories regarding government control.{{cite web |last1=Jingnan |first1=Huo |title=From 4chan to international politics, a bug-eating conspiracy theory goes mainstream |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/03/31/1166649732/conspiracy-theory-eating-bugs-4chan |website=NPR |access-date=29 May 2024}}

There are concerns that insect farming may involve large-scale suffering. Although the ability of insects to suffer is debated, the number of animals involved is particularly large.{{Cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Matt |date=2023-03-16 |title=Insect Farming Is Booming. But Is It Cruel? |url=https://www.wired.com/story/insect-farming-sentience/ |access-date=2025-02-23 |work=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}} As of 2023, there are no widely adopted welfare standards in the industry.

World Edible Insect Day, held on 23 October, was introduced by Belgian entrepreneur Chris Derudder in 2015 to raise awareness globally for the consumption of edible insects, with a focus on Europe, North America, and Australia.Edible Bug Farm (2015-10-03): [http://www.ediblebugfarm.com/blog/entoview-with-entomochef/ Interview with Chris Derudder on WEID.]

• Insects as feed
• Insect-based pet food
• List of edible insects by country

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• FAO: [http://www.fao.org/edible-insects/en/ Insects for food and feed]
• European Food Safety Authority: [https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/e16082 Risk profile related to production and consumption of insects as food and feed]
• Nova documentary [https://www.pbs.org/video/edible-insects-qlmtas/ "Edible Insects"]

• {{cite journal |last1=Ordoñez-Araque |first1=Roberto |last2=Quishpillo-Miranda |first2=Nadine |last3=Ramos-Guerrero |first3=Luis |title=Edible Insects for Humans and Animals: Nutritional Composition and an Option for Mitigating Environmental Damage |journal=Insects |date=2022 |volume=13 |issue=10 |pages=944 |doi=10.3390/insects13100944 |pmid=36292894 |doi-access=free |pmc=9604210}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Lange |first1=Klaus W. |last2=Nakamura |first2=Yukiko |title=Potential contribution of edible insects to sustainable consumption and production |journal=Frontiers in Sustainability |date=2023 |volume=4 |doi=10.3389/frsus.2023.1112950 |doi-access=free}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Baiano |first1=Antonietta |title=Edible insects: An overview on nutritional characteristics, safety, farming, production technologies, regulatory framework, and socio-economic and ethical implications |journal=Trends in Food Science and Technology |date=2020 |volume=100 |pages=35–50 |doi=10.1016/j.tifs.2020.03.040}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Ordoñez-Araque |first1=Roberto |last2=Egas-Montenegro |first2=Erika |title=Edible insects: A food alternative for the sustainable development of the planet |journal=International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science |date=2021 |volume=23 |pages=100304 |doi=10.1016/j.ijgfs.2021.100304}}
• {{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Mengjiao |last2=Mao |first2=Chengjuan |last3=Li |first3=Xin |last4=Jiang |first4=Lei |last5=Zhang |first5=Wen |last6=Li |first6=Mengying |last7=Liu |first7=Huixue |last8=Fang |first8=Yaowei |last9=Liu |first9=Shu |last10=Yang |first10=Guang |last11=Hou |first11=Xiaoyue |title=Edible Insects: A New Sustainable Nutritional Resource Worth Promoting |journal=Foods |date=2023 |volume=12 |issue=22 |pages=4073 |doi=10.3390/foods12224073 |doi-access=free|pmc=10670618 }}
• {{cite journal |last1=Tang |first1=Chufei |last2=Yang |first2=Ding |last3=Liao |first3=Huaijian |last4=Sun |first4=Hongwu |last5=Liu |first5=Chuanjing |last6=Wei |first6=Lanjun |last7=Li |first7=Fanfan |title=Edible insects as a food source: a review |journal=Food Production, Processing and Nutrition |date=2019 |volume=1 |pages=8 |doi=10.1186/s43014-019-0008-1 |doi-access=free}}
• {{cite book |last1=McClements |first1=David Julian |title=Meat Less: The Next Food Revolution |date=2023 |publisher=Springer |location=Cham |isbn=978-3-031-23961-8 |pages=185–212 |url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-23961-8_8 |language=en |chapter=Bug Meat: Assembling Meat from Insects |doi=10.1007/978-3-031-23961-8_8}}
• FAO (2021): Looking at edible insects from a food safety perspective. Challenges and opportunities for the sector. Rome. doi: https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4094en
• {{cite book |last=van Huis/Tomberlin |title=Insects As Food and Feed: From Production to Consumption |year=2017 |publisher=Wageningen Academic Publishers|isbn=978-9086862962 }}
• {{cite book |last=Dossey, Morales-Ramos and Rojas |title=Insects as Sustainable Food Ingredients: Production, Processing and Food Applications |url=http://cricketpowder.com/insects-as-sustainable-food-ingredients/ |access-date=2018-10-24 |archive-date=2020-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703135547/https://cricketpowder.com/insects-as-sustainable-food-ingredients/ |url-status=dead }}
• {{cite journal |last=Shockley and Dossey |title=Insects for Human Consumption|journal=Mass Production of Beneficial Organisms |year=2014 |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-391453-8.00018-2 |pages=617–652|isbn=9780123914538}}
• Calder, Daniel. The Dietitian's Guide to Eating Bugs 2013 ebook [https://www.scribd.com/doc/160318509/The-Dietitian-s-Guide-to-Eating-Bugs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509082921/https://www.scribd.com/doc/160318509/The-Dietitian-s-Guide-to-Eating-Bugs |date=2016-05-09 }}
• {{cite journal |last=Dossey |first=Aaron |title=Why Insects Should Be in Your Diet |journal=The Scientist |year=2013 |volume=27 |pages=22–23 |url=http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34172/title/Why-Insects-Should-Be-in-Your-Diet/}}

{{Meat}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Insects in culture

Category:Types of food