A Vending machine, which promotes the snacks as “highly nutritious meals of the future,” was set up in the city of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.
Nine types of insect snacks, including fried crickets, mole crickets, bamboo worms, diving beetles, locusts and silkworm pupae, are sold for 1,000 yen (about US$8) each. The aim is to contribute to the realization of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is a project carried out by Sanpuku Holdings and the insects was processed by Hamaru Food.
A January 2021 study in Critical Reviews in Food Science Nutrition said edible insects may have “high superior health benefits” due to high levels of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Cricket is a great source of protein from their muscle-bound hind legs used for jumping.
Key advantage of eating Insect Snacks:
- Nutritional Value: Insects like crickets, mealworms, and ants are rich in high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also provide healthy fats, vitamins (such as B12), minerals (like iron and zinc), and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Sustainability: Insect farming is much more sustainable compared to traditional livestock farming. Insects require significantly less water, feed, and space, and they produce fewer greenhouse gases. This makes insect-based foods a more environmentally friendly option for protein consumption.
- Resource Efficiency: Insects convert feed into protein much more efficiently than traditional livestock. For example, crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein.
- Low Risk of Disease Transmission: The risk of diseases transmitted from insects to humans is relatively low compared to that from conventional livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens, which can carry diseases like swine flu or avian flu.
- Versatility: Insect snacks come in various forms, including whole insects, insect powders, and mixed into energy bars or chips, making them easy to incorporate into daily diets. Their versatility also extends to different cuisines and cooking methods.
- Support for Local Economies: In many parts of the world, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, harvesting insects provides a source of income for local communities. As the global demand for insect-based products grows, this could offer new economic opportunities worldwide.