Bugs anyone?
It's important to be aware of insect-based ingredients in our food products because, while they may be promoted as sustainable and nutritious, governments and companies are increasingly sneaking these into our diets without full transparency. Many of us may have dietary restrictions, allergies, or ethical concerns about consuming insects, yet these ingredients are often hidden under vague terms like "natural flavourings" or "sustainable protein." By understanding specific insect names like "cricket flour" or "mealworm powder," and recognising food colorants like "carmine" (E120), we can make informed decisions and avoid what may feel like a forced, unacknowledged shift in their food choices. I don't want to eat anything that may contain any bugs and I'm sure you neither because that's why you are here!
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Common Insect-Based Ingredients ( Short List at the bottom of the page)
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Mealworms
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Scientific Name: Tenebrio molitor
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E Number: E1400 (in some products)
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Uses: Mealworm protein flour, protein bars, snacks.
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Crickets
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Scientific Name: Acheta domesticus
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E Number: E1404 (in some products)
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Uses: Cricket flour, protein powder, snacks, and baked goods.
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Black Soldier Fly Larvae
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Scientific Name: Hermetia illucens
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E Number: E1060 (in some products)
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Uses: Protein flour or fat in human food or pet food.
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Buffalo Worms
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Scientific Name: Alphitobius diaperinus
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E Number: E1401 (in some products)
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Uses: Protein powder, dried worms for human consumption.
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Grasshoppers
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Scientific Name: Caelifera spp.
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E Number: No specific E number, typically labeled as "edible insects."
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Uses: Roasted or dried snacks, protein powder.
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Silkworms
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Scientific Name: Bombyx mori
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E Number: No specific E number, sometimes used in protein powder.
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Uses: Dried whole silkworms, protein powder.
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Ants
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Scientific Name: Formicidae (various species)
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E Number: No specific E number.
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Uses: Sour-tasting flavoring in sauces or seasonings.
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Termites
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Scientific Name: Isoptera (various species)
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E Number: No specific E number.
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Uses: Novelty snacks, sometimes included in high-protein foods.
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Locusts
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Scientific Name: Locusta migratoria
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E Number: No specific E number.
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Uses: Roasted or fried snacks, protein powder.
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Common Insect-Derived Ingredients:
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Carmine (Cochineal Extract)
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Scientific Name: Dactylopius coccus (Cochineal insect)
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E Number: E120
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Uses: Red food coloring, cosmetics.
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Note: Derived from crushed cochineal insects.
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Chitin
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Source: Found in insect exoskeletons.
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Uses: Texture or stabilizing agent in some food products.
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Chitosan
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Source: Derived from the exoskeleton of insects (also from crustaceans).
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Uses: Used as a fat blocker, preservative, or dietary supplement.
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Insect-Based Protein/Meal
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Sources: Derived from insects like crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies.
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Uses: Protein bars, shakes, and animal feed.
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Common Terms Used for Insect Ingredients:
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Edible Insects
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Insect Protein
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Insect Flour
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Carmine (Red Food Coloring)
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Natural Colorings/Flavorings
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Sustainable Protein Source
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Hydrolyzed Insect Protein
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Alternative Protein Source
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Insect Oil/Fat
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Contains Vitamin D produced by UV-Treatment
How to Spot Hidden Insect Ingredients:
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Look for Specific Insect Names: Terms like “cricket flour,” “mealworm powder,” or “locusts” will typically be directly listed.
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Watch for Vague Terms: Phrases like "natural flavorings," "sustainable protein," or "insect protein" might be used to obscure insect ingredients.
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Check for Colorants: "Carmine" or "cochineal extract" (E120) is often listed as a red food colorant derived from insects.
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Insect Protein or Meal: These can be found in many protein bars, shakes, and snacks marketed as environmentally friendly or high-protein.
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Mealworms – Tenebrio molitor – E1400
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Crickets – Acheta – E1404
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Black Soldier Fly Larvae – Hermetia illucens – E1060
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Buffalo Worms – Alphitobius diaperinus – E1401
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Grasshoppers – Caelifera spp. – No specific E number
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Silkworms – Bombyx mori – No specific E number
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Ants – Formicidae – No specific E number
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Termites – Isoptera – No specific E number
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Locusts – Locusta migratoria – No specific E number
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Carmine (Cochineal Extract) – Dactylopius coccus – E120
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Chitin – Found in insect exoskeletons – No specific E number
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Chitosan – Derived from insect exoskeletons – No specific E number
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Insect-Based Protein/Meal – Derived from crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies – No specific E number