The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has been pushing for the increased use of insect protein in our diets for almost a decade.
During that time the use of insects and other animals as “trials” on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has continued. That – along with post-Brexit red tape – has only hindered the chances of insect-based diets going mainstream.
And yet the FAO point to the many benefits of a diet rich in insects, for ourselves and our planet.
Already a staple of Asian, Africa, and South and Central American diets, what will it take for insects to become a regular part of mealtimes here and in the UK, and why should they?
Keep reading to find out.
Insects are already on the menu for billions worldwide
The FAO reports that at least 2 billion people worldwide already regularly eat insects as part of their diet.
And with sustainability, and the provenance of the food we eat, becoming increasingly important, the market for insects could be about to rise. The UN believes that the global market for insects as food could be worth around £4.6 billion by the end of the decade.
A recent government announcement should help insect farmers here in the UK too.
From ants to mealworms and fried locusts, there are believed to be around 1,900 insect species worldwide that humans could eat.
As we tackle huge questions about the carbon footprint of meat production and watch forests decimated to provide farmland, maybe now is the time to turn to the eating of insects.
Pre-Brexit the UK insect farming industry was on the rise
Before the Brexit referendum, insect farming in the UK was on the rise.
As a sustainable and highly nutritious foodstuff, high in fat, protein, vitamin, fibre, and minerals, it’s not too difficult to see why.
The FAO suggests that the unsaturated omega-3 and fatty acids in mealworms make them comparable to fish, while they provide higher levels than are found in cattle and pigs. Levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals, meanwhile, are also similar to those found in fish and meat.
Following Brexit, however, UK small businesses looking to get a foot in the door of an emerging industry fell foul of bureaucracy.
Issues around transitional EU laws between the time of the vote and Brexit “being done”, led to the UK government stopping the selling of insects for consumption. This left many producers in limbo and saw many fledgling firms go out of business before they had a chance to get a firm foothold.
The government has since admitted that it was wrong to stop firms selling bugs intended as food, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) stating that it had been “incorrect”.
The news came too late for many would-be entrepreneurs and the UK insect market now finds itself behind its European rivals.
Top 3 insect treats eaten worldwide
If you’re looking to venture into insect farming, or you’d like to experiment with adding insects to your diet, it might be hard to know where to start.
Here are the three insects that humans consume the most globally, for you to reputably source and try:
1. Beetles (31%)
Beetles are the most commonly eaten insect worldwide. Long-horned, dung, and rhinoceros varieties are eaten throughout the Amazon basin and in parts of Africa. They are very high in protein.
The larvae of the darkling beetle are known as mealworms and are available to buy online. You might consider trying them as part of a stir-fry.
2. Caterpillars (18%)
Tearfund, a Christian charity working in more than 50 of the world’s poorest countries reports that edible caterpillars are a delicacy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A good source of proteins, fats, and nutrients, they have been harvested and sold at markets for generations.
3. Bees, wasps, and ants (14%)
Bees are loved for their honey, but in certain parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, bees in immature or larval stages are regularly eaten. They are said to taste like peanuts.
Ants, meanwhile, may be small but they pack a heavy protein punch. They are also rich in calcium, and iron, while being low in carbohydrates.
Are insects the future of our diets?
At Globe IFA we are far more comfortable advising on financial matters than on edible insects. But as the effects of overpopulation and climate change grow more noticeable – alongside our increasing awareness of sustainability factors – we wouldn’t altogether rule out a dietary shift.
We would, though, recommend that you only source your insects from reputable suppliers and we strongly advise against foraging your own edible bugs!
If you’re not ready to switch to an insect diet but would like help managing your household food bills – or any other aspect of your long-term final plans – get in touch.
Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help.
