When we think of candy, most of us imagine sugary treats made from familiar ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and chocolate. However, some candies have a more unexpected ingredient list that might raise a few eyebrows – bugs! Yes, you read that right. Some candies, especially those with a natural or organic label, may contain insect-based ingredients. But before you wrinkle your nose in disgust, let’s take a closer look at what candies are made out of bugs and why they’re becoming increasingly popular.
The Rise of Entomophagy: Eating Insects as a Sustainable Food Source
Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has been around for centuries in many cultures around the world. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the Western world as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly food source. Insects are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in micronutrients like iron and calcium. They also require significantly less land, water, and feed to produce than traditional livestock, making them a more eco-friendly option.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has even recognized the potential of insects as a food source, citing their role in improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With the global population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, finding alternative protein sources becomes increasingly important. Insects could be the answer to this growing concern.
Candy Made from Bugs: A Tasty and Sustainable Treat
So, what candies are made out of bugs? The answer might surprise you. From sweet and crunchy snacks to decadent chocolates, the world of bug-based candies is more diverse than you’d expect.
Chocolate Chirps: The Bug-Based M&M’s Alternative
Chirps: The Original Bug-Based Candy
Chirps, a company founded in 2014, is one of the pioneers in the bug-based candy market. Their flagship product, Chocolate Chirps, is a colorful candy that looks suspiciously like M&M’s. But instead of being made from traditional dyes and ingredients, Chirps uses natural ingredients and – you guessed it – insects.
The company uses crickets, a type of insect commonly consumed in Southeast Asia, to create a protein-rich, environmentally-friendly candy. The crickets are roasted, milled, and then mixed with natural ingredients like coconut sugar and cocoa powder to create the final product.
Why crickets? Crickets are an excellent source of protein, containing up to 60% protein by weight. They’re also rich in micronutrients like iron, calcium, and potassium. By using crickets, Chirps reduces the environmental impact of traditional agriculture and livestock farming.
Bug-Based Bites: Cricket Flour Energy Balls
A No-Bake Energy Snack with a Crunchy Secret
Bug-Based Bites, a company founded in 2017, offers a range of no-bake energy balls made from cricket flour, a finely ground powder made from roasted crickets. These bite-sized treats are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them an excellent snack for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.
The cricket flour is mixed with natural ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits to create a tasty and filling snack. With flavors like peanut butter and jelly, chocolate chip, and cranberry orange, Bug-Based Bites cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
The Dark Side of Bug-Based Chocolate
Choco-Locate: The Bug-Based Chocolate Experience
Choco-Locate, a UK-based company, takes the idea of bug-based candy to the next level with their range of insect-based chocolates. Using a blend of dark chocolate and finely ground insects, Choco-Locate creates a rich, velvety chocolate experience unlike any other.
Their insect-based ingredients include mealworms, crickets, and even scorpions. Yes, you read that right – scorpions! The company claims that the scorpions add a unique smoky flavor to their chocolates.
But are bug-based chocolates safe to eat? The short answer is yes. Insect-based ingredients are regulated by food safety authorities around the world. In the UK, for example, insect-based foods must meet the same food safety standards as traditional foods.
Benefits of Bug-Based Candies
So, what are the benefits of bug-based candies? As we’ve discussed earlier, insects are a sustainable food source, requiring significantly less land, water, and feed to produce than traditional livestock. Here are some additional benefits of bug-based candies:
- Higher protein content: Bug-based candies often contain more protein than traditional candies, making them an excellent snack for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.
- Lower environmental impact: By using insects as a food source, bug-based candy companies reduce the environmental impact of traditional agriculture and livestock farming.
- Increased food security: Insects are a viable alternative protein source, which can help reduce the pressure on traditional food systems.
Conclusion: Bug-Based Candies – The Future of Sustainable Snacking?
As we move towards a more sustainable future, the idea of bug-based candies becomes increasingly appealing. With their high protein content, lower environmental impact, and unique flavors, insect-based candies are an exciting development in the world of sustainable snacking.
While it may take some time for consumers to warm up to the idea of eating insects, companies like Chirps, Bug-Based Bites, and Choco-Locate are paving the way for a bug-based candy revolution. Who knows? Maybe one day, bug-based candies will become the norm, and we’ll look back on traditional candies as a thing of the past.
So, are you ready to give bug-based candies a try? With their unique flavors and sustainable credentials, they might just become your new favorite snack.
What is entomophagy?
Entomophagy is the practice of consuming insects as a source of food. It has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Insects are a valuable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious and sustainable food option.
Insects have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock, requiring less land, water, and feed to produce the same amount of protein. Entomophagy is becoming increasingly popular in Western cultures, with many startups and companies incorporating insects into their products, including sweet treats.
Which candies contain insects?
Some candies that contain insects include gummies made with crickets, chocolates infused with mealworms, and lollipops flavored with ants. These candies are made by incorporating insect-based protein powders or whole insects into the manufacturing process. The insects are typically roasted or ground into a flour before being added to the candy mixture.
These insect-based candies are becoming increasingly popular among consumers looking for sustainable and environmentally-friendly snack options. They are also a great way for people to try entomophagy without having to eat whole insects.
Are insect-based candies safe to eat?
Yes, insect-based candies are safe to eat. Insects are a natural food source and are regulated by food safety authorities around the world. Insect farms and processing facilities must meet strict food safety standards to ensure the insects are free from contaminants and handled hygienically.
Insect-based candies are also subject to rigorous testing and quality control to ensure they meet food safety standards. Additionally, many insect-based candy manufacturers are transparent about their ingredients and production processes, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
What do insect-based candies taste like?
Insect-based candies can have a range of flavors depending on the type of insect used and the manufacturing process. Crickets, for example, have a nutty, earthy flavor, while mealworms have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Ants have a sour, tangy flavor, while grasshoppers have a sweet, earthy flavor.
The flavors of insect-based candies can be masked by other ingredients, such as fruit flavors or spices, making them appealing to a wide range of consumers. Many consumers report that insect-based candies have a unique, but pleasant, flavor profile.
Are insect-based candies nutritious?
Yes, insect-based candies are a nutritious snack option. Insects are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, calcium, and potassium. They are also high in fiber and contain all nine essential amino acids.
Insect-based candies can be a healthier alternative to traditional candies, which are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Many insect-based candy manufacturers also use natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and avoid adding artificial flavors or preservatives.
Can I make my own insect-based candies at home?
Yes, you can make your own insect-based candies at home. There are many recipes available online that use insect-based protein powders or whole insects. You can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique flavor profiles.
However, it’s important to note that sourcing insects for food can be challenging, and it’s essential to ensure that the insects are obtained from a reputable supplier and handled hygienically. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow proper food safety guidelines when manufacturing and storing insect-based candies.
Where can I buy insect-based candies?
Insect-based candies are becoming increasingly available in specialty stores, online marketplaces, and even some supermarkets. You can also find them at farmers’ markets and food festivals that focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly food options.
Many companies that manufacture insect-based candies also sell them directly to consumers through their websites or online marketplaces. Some popular online retailers that carry insect-based candies include Amazon and Thrive Market.