By 2050 the global population will exceed 10 billion people. And analysis proves that if we continue with our current diets, there will be a shortage of protein. It’s this increasing demand for protein that has led food innovators to cultivate and promote alternative options. And cricket protein is one method by which we can meet the rising demand for protein with our growing population. But why should we consider shifting to this seemingly strange food source?

1. It Has Huge Health Benefits

The truth is, cricket protein is incredibly healthy. Cricket protein powder is becoming increasingly popular because it contains 9 essential amino acids, it’s high in B vitamins, and it’s also a good source of fatty acids. Crickets also contain a prebiotic called chitin, which is linked to improved gastrointestinal function.

2. It’s Nothing New

Although US consumers may be put off by the idea of eating crickets as their main protein source, for many others insects have a been a central focus of a balanced diet since time immemorial. For thousands of years, hunters and gatherers ate insects to survive. And the Old Testament certainly encouraged Christians and Jews to consume locusts and beetles. Crickets appear on menus all around the world. In Thailand, crickets are simple daily snack foods. And insects are traditional food in many cultures across Asia, Latin America and Africa. In fact 1 billion people eat insects every day!

3. It’s a “Whole Food” Protein

Cricket protein is often described as a “whole food” source of protein; the entire creature provides benefits without being processed or manufactured. Crickets are made up of 72% protein. By contrast, cchicken breast fillet only contains 30% protein, and a beef steak contains 29% protein. It’s incomparable. Crickets are also a 100% bioavailable form of protein, meaning they’re very easy to absorb. The truth is we should be hitting the gym, and then eating crickets!

4. Crickets are More Sustainable than Most Protein Sources 

With 18% of global greenhouse emissions result from raising live stock, our over-consumption of meat is seriously harming the environment. By contrast, raising crickets is a more sustainable practice, and is ultimately environmentally benign. According to The Guardian, crickets emit “less than 0.1% of the greenhouse emissions of cows to produce the same amount of protein”. If we’re serious about sustainability, we must rethink the types of proteins we consume. In terms of the space required for growth of crickets, the water required for the process, and the resultant CO2 emissions, crickets are the sensible, progressive protein choice. 

5. Cricket Protein Can Help the Developing World

Many inhabitants of developing countries lack adequate sources of protein and iron in their diet. Crickets could serve to address this problem directly, by not only serving as a useful and nutritional food source, but they can also form the basis for new jobs and business to grow, providing long-term solutions.

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