Live edible mealworms- Edible mealworms chocolate cakes
- Mealworms
Edible Mealworms - Insects as food
The dried yellow mealworm larvae were the first insects authorised as edible insects for human consumption in 2018 following scientific evaluation by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Since then, the commercialisation of more insect species has also been authorised, however edible mealworms remain starter edible bug of choice for many. This is thanks to its mild taste, nutritional value and affordability.
Versatile and easy to use, dried mealworms can be enjoyed as a protein-packed snack, added to salads, mixed into trail blends, or even baked into energy bars or other recipes. Popular in sustainable living and alternative protein diets, edible mealworms are the ideal choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while boosting their daily nutrition.
The difference between grub for food and bugs for food
A grub is the larval stage of an insect, while a bug is an adult insect. In everyday language it often happens that the term "worms" is used instead of "larvae". Since grub, is nothing but the larval stage of some insects, in particular beetles, mealworms are not worms but larvae.
Edible mealworms nutritional content
Dried edible mealworms are a high-protein, sustainable superfood made from the dehydrated larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle. These crunchy, golden mealworms are packed with essential nutrients, including amino acids, vitamin B12, healthy fats, and minerals like iron and zinc, making them a powerhouse of nutrition. With a mild, nutty flavour and a light, crispy texture, they are perfect for adventurous eaters, health-conscious individuals, or those embracing eco-friendly, sustainable food options.
| Category | Nutrient/Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates & Energy | Energy value (kcal) | 503 kcal/100 g |
| Energy value (kJ) | 2106 kJ/100 g | |
| Total carbohydrates | 6.7 g/100 g | |
| Carbohydrates (available) | 6.7 g/100 g | |
| Fat (Acid Hydrolysis) | Fat (after acid hydrolysis) | 27.0 (± 1.0) g/100 g |
| Sugar Profile | Glucose | < 0.2 g/100 g |
| Fructose | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Sucrose | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Lactose | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Maltose | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Sum of reducing sugars | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Sum of sugars (mono and disaccharides) | < 0.2 g/100 g | |
| Minerals - Oligoelements | Phosphorus | 3200 (± 469) mg/kg |
| Calcium (Ca) | 210 (± 36) mg/kg | |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1200 (± 184) mg/kg | |
| Copper (Cu) | 9.0 (± 2.5) mg/kg | |
| Selenium (Se) | 0.24 (± 0.08) mg/kg | |
| Potassium (K) | 3300 (± 563) mg/kg | |
| Zinc (Zn) | 47 (± 24) mg/kg | |
| Iron (Fe) | 19 (± 7) mg/kg | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 4.1 (± 1.0) mg/kg | |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.38 (± 0.11) mg/kg | |
| Boron (B) | 1.3 (± 0.4) mg/kg | |
| Total Dietary Fiber | Fiber content | 4.9 (± 1.5) g/100 g |
| Proteins | Total Nitrogen | 9.35 (± 0.24) g/100 g |
| Proteins (Nx6.25) (Kjeldahl) | 58.4 (± 1.5) g/100 g | |
| Moisture | Moisture (at 102-103°C) | 3.2 (± 0.5) g/100 g |
| Amino Acids | Hydroxyproline | < 0.2 (LOQ) g/100 g |
| Ornithine | 0.122 (± 0.024) g/100 g | |
| Threonine | 1.97 (± 0.28) g/100 g | |
| Aspartic acid | 4.15 (± 0.58) g/100 g | |
| Serine | 2.27 (± 0.32) g/100 g | |
| Lysine | 2.88 (± 0.40) g/100 g | |
| Valine | 3.12 (± 0.44) g/100 g | |
| Proline | 3.11 (± 0.44) g/100 g | |
| Alanine | 3.60 (± 0.50) g/100 g | |
| Phenylalanine | 1.82 (± 0.25) g/100 g | |
| Isoleucine | 2.14 (± 0.30) g/100 g | |
| Glycine | 2.60 (± 0.36) g/100 g | |
| Tyrosine | 3.32 (± 0.46) g/100 g | |
| Arginine | 2.64 (± 0.37) g/100 g | |
| Leucine | 3.70 (± 0.52) g/100 g | |
| Histidine | 1.53 (± 0.21) g/100 g | |
| Glutamic acid | 5.41 (± 0.76) g/100 g |