Seem unappetizing?

Consider that grasshopper protein pound for pound is not only healthier, but uses a 1000 times less water to produce than beef. Jack Ceadel, founder of Hopper Foods, sees insects and grasshoppers in particular as an extremely eco-friendly source of healthy protein. Interesting Green Divas Foodie-Phile podcast. Not as creepy crawly as you’d think… Then read on for more info.

Let’s hop into some facts about why to eat insects…

It’s probable that insects have formed a significant part of the diet of human beings throughout our history as a species. Apart from bacteria, insects are the most abundant life form on the planet and they exist with marginal environmental impact. Insects are extremely efficient. They require very little feed, water and space… and they mature and reproduce rapidly. They’re packed with nutrients, low in saturated fat and they taste great.

Crickets are healthy. They’re rich in high quality protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those which cannot be synthesized by our bodies. They are also low in saturated fats and contain omega 3 fatty acids (“good fats”). They are also rich in micronutrients such as iron magnesium, zinc, calcium and vitamin B6 and B12.

Crickets are sustainable. Cows require 10 pounds of feed to produce one pound of protein, crickets only require two pounds. They have a food conversion ratio that puts all livestock to shame and is also superior to chicken. Crickets are also extremely water efficient. To produce one pound of protein from cattle you need 1000 gallons of water. To produce one pound of protein from crickets you only need a single gallon of water. Crickets also produce 80x less methane than cattle. Methane is a greenhouse gas which is 20x more potent than carbon dioxide.

Sounds like a no brainer doesn’t it?

Bonus.

Listen to the latest Green Divas Radio Show…

Hopper Foods is on a mission to help normalise entomophagy (eating insects) by creating great tasting, nutritious and healthy products that people will want to eat every day. They believe this is important because insects are a sustainable source of high quality protein which we need to capitalize on if we are to feed our growing population. In addition insects are a delicacy which are highly prized in the native cuisines of many cultures. They want to introduce this to a wider audience at home.

Their first offering, the Hopper Bar, is an all natural energy bar which is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle who is conscious of what they put in their body and where it came from. 

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