What is Cricket Flour?

Have you ever thought of eating crickets for protein? Did you get a little squeamish reading that sentence? Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! This protein-packed insect powder is the latest rage for health nuts and once you read the stats you may consider trying it too. Consumers have been pleasantly surprised by the taste and nutrition quality found in cricket protein bars. There are also a lot of environmental reasons to consider this protein option. Find out why so many people are chirping about entomology, human consumption of insects.

What is Cricket Flour?

Cricket flour is grain made from crickets that are raised for human consumption. It is a good source of nutrition and protein and contains protein, calcium, B12, iron and other nutritional elements. For each 100 grams of cricket, there are 12.9 grams of protein. Insects are relatively low in carbohydrates and are composed of about 60-70% protein. Cricket flour is not highly processed because it is not an isolated protein source; therefore, the flavor does not have to be covered up with artificial sweeteners and syrups, making it even healthier than many more popular refined flour options.

What’s the Difference Between Cricket and Animal Protein?

Crickets are much more sustainable than livestock (cattle, sheep and pigs). This is yet another reason to consider trying this protein-packed insect to reduce your impact on the planet. Below are some stats about the difference between crickets and livestock¹.

• Eating edible bugs and insects is 20 times more efficient than beef when it comes to obtaining protein in your diet. In fact, they contain 1/2 the fat but 1/3 more protein than beef.
• Crickets produce 100 times less methane gas than beef.
• They require about 2 pounds of feed per pound of meat vs. 25 lbs of feed needed for the same amount of beef.
• To raise 1 pound of crickets, you only need 1 gallon of water vs. 2,000 gallons of water for 1 lb. of cattle.

 

It takes 2,900 gallons of water, 25 pounds of feed and extensive acreage to produce one pound of beef and just one gallon of water, two pounds of feed and a small cubicle to produce a pound of crickets ².

Where Can I Buy Cricket Flour?

It’s important to always purchase your cricket protein powder from a reputable source. Don’t try harvesting your own crickets or don’t do it without learning a little more about how to do it safely – for you and the insects. You don’t know what pesticides have been ingested by wild insects or what other potential dangers they could hold. Here are some popular protein bars and flours you can buy to get a taste of this new food trend.

• Chapul Protein Bars – View on Amazon
• Thailand Unique flour – View on Amazon
• Cricket Flours flour – View on Amazon

What Does Cricket Flour Taste Like?

Cricket flour is used in various products, including sweet treats like cookies. Right now, the price of this ingredient is relatively high but we expect it will gradually decrease as more and more people start introducing it into their diet. Learn more about the use of cricket flour and the benefits of using this powerful component in your cooking.

Do You Like Cricket Flour?

When adding cricket protein to your diet be sure to start small. Don’t substitute all flour in recipes with cricket flour. Why not? Well, you don’t know how your body will react to the new food! So, like any major diet change, you will want to gradually introduce edible bugs into your diet.

Have you tried eating crickets for protein yet? What did you think?

Source: [1] Bach Huber Consulting; [2] NY Daily News