Best Insects to Eat for Beginners (UK Guide)

If you’re new to eating insects, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions people ask is “what insects can humans eat?” or simply “which insect should I try first?”

The good news is that edible insects for humans are safe, nutritious, and surprisingly tasty when you start with the right ones. This beginner’s edible insects guide explains the best insects to eat, what they taste like, how to prepare them, and how to choose beginner‑friendly options. However for more detailed information about edible bugs in general, you can also refer to our edible insects guide. Furthermore, you will find step by step details about cooking and preparation in our “how to serve” edible insects page.

Yes. Humans can eat insects safely, and people around the world have done so for thousands of years. Today, insects are eaten for their high protein content, sustainability, and low environmental impact.

In the UK and EU, insects sold for human consumption must meet strict food safety standards. When you buy from a regulated supplier, eating insects is safe for humans.

When starting out, the best insects to eat are mild in flavour, easy to prepare, and widely accepted as edible insects for humans.

Crickets are one of the most popular insects to eat and are often recommended for beginners.

Why crickets are good for beginners:

• Mild, nutty flavour
• High in protein and iron
• Easy to eat whole or as powder
• Common in insect snacks and recipes

How to eat crickets:

• Roasted and seasoned as insect snacks
• Ground into cricket powder for baking or smoothies

Crickets are ideal if you want a gentle introduction to eating insects.

A common beginner question is: “can you eat mealworms?”

Yes — mealworms are edible insects for humans and are widely eaten across Europe and Asia.

Why mealworms are beginner‑friendly:

• Soft texture when cooked
• Mild, savoury taste
• Easy to add to familiar dishes

How to eat mealworms:

• Roasted until crispy or buy them already dried.
• Added to stir‑fries, pasta, or salads

Mealworms are often one of the easiest insects to eat for the first time

Locusts are closely related to grasshoppers and are eaten in many cultures.

Why try locusts:

• Meaty texture similar to prawns
• Mild, slightly earthy flavour
• High protein content

How to eat locusts:

• Roasted or fried
• Seasoned with spices or herbs

Locusts are a good next step once you’re comfortable with eating insects.

Many beginners prefer dried insects for humans because they are shelf‑stable, crunchy, and easy to portion.

Common dried insects include:

• Dried crickets
• Dried mealworms
• Dried locusts

Why dried insects are ideal for beginners:

• Long shelf life
• Crispy texture similar to snacks
• Easy to season and cook

Dried insects are one of the simplest ways to start eating insects.

A common concern for beginners is taste. Most edible bugs do not taste strange or unpleasant.

Typical flavours include:

• Nutty (crickets)
• Savoury or umami (mealworms)
• Mild and slightly earthy (locusts)

Seasoning and cooking method make a big difference, which is why many beginners start with insect snacks or recipes.

If you’re unsure about eating whole insects, insect snacks are a great introduction.

These often include:

• Edible dried crickets (just add salt or spices)
• Edible mealworms (season to taste)
• Mixed edible bugs

Insect snacks are designed to be approachable and are often compared to nuts or crisps in texture.

Yes. Dried insects for humans are safe when produced under food‑grade conditions.

Things to keep in mind:

• Buy only insects labelled for human consumption
• Avoid insects intended for pets or bait
• People with shellfish allergies should consult a doctor

For most beginners, the best insects to eat first are:

1. Crickets (especially in powder form)
2. Mealworms (roasted or dried)
3. Dried insect mixes

These options are mild, familiar in texture, and easy to cook.

If you’re new to eating insects, start simple:

• Try small portions
• Use seasoning you already enjoy
• Follow beginner‑friendly recipes

Many people find that once they try edible insects, they’re surprised by how normal and enjoyable they taste.

Eating insects doesn’t have to be intimidating. By choosing the right insect to eat, starting with dried insects, and using simple recipes, beginners can ease into this sustainable and nutritious food source.

If you’re curious, the best way to learn is to try — and start with insects that are proven favourites for beginners.