The Canadian grocery market seems ready and excited to carry a locally produced superfood—cricket powder. Despite insects being off the menu for many Canadian families, cricket powder is actually packed with essential nutrients and high in protein content. It contains more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and 20 times more vitamin B12 than beef. Vitamin B12 helps create your red blood cells, improves neurological function, and even aids in the creation of your DNA. What’s even more absurd is that over two billion people on our planet already consume insects daily. In Japan, humans have consumed insects throughout its ancient history, which originated with aquatic species in the Japanese Alps. People in Mexico, China, and parts of Africa also partake in eating insects.
BBC Reporter Chartlotte Payne investigated the taste behind edible insects and stated, “Lighter than meat and heavier than seafood, they’re delicious.”
In addition to its low calorie and high nutrient content, this superfood also releases fewer greenhouse gases than most livestock. Cattle, sheep, and pigs are some of the livestock animals that contribute to an estimated 18% of total global emissions. This is one of the reasons why switching our food economy towards more sustainable and healthy sources has global benefits. Also not much space is needed for farming crickets, and they can be sustained through organic waste. The producer of the product, Entomo Farms, stated “If, over the span of a year, a family of four ate one meal a week using insect protein, they would save the earth 650,000 litres of fresh water.” This means that insects have high rates of productivity with less input, which can lead to affordable pricing and an increase in food availability.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that by 2050, global production of food will need to increase by 70% in order to meet growing demand of the world’s increasing population. This means higher rates of agricultural productivity, despite 795 million people already not having access to food today.
With land degradation, climate change, and greater competition for space, organizations and governments have realized that agriculture needs to change in order to support ourselves in the near future. This is why insects provide an alternative solution to many of these problems. The introduction of a locally farmed product that is branded under President’s Choice shows a great level of commitment and confidence behind a revolutionary product here in the West. By supporting these products, we can help lead a social movement that can change not only our personal health, but the future of our planet.
Are Canadians ready to look past their own judgements and indulge in an alternative, sustainable, and healthy food choice?
Ben Eisner
This is really encouraging.. I’d love to know how easy it is to cook with “Cricket Grilons” or to incorporate them into a meal. Thanks for all the wonderful articles!
Hey Philip,
Thanks for your reply on the article! I provided a paragraph from “Entomo Farms’ product page below.
“Cricket powder (cricket flour) is a great way to add delicious flavour alongside a powerful protein punch to almost anything you can imagine. Insect protein is perfect in soups, salad dressings, desserts, smoothies, and more. When baking, try a new recipe! Substitute 10% of your all-purpose flour with Gluten free and cricket flour to boost the nutritional value! From Blueberry Crumble Muffins to Cricket Caramel Cheesecake you are only limited by your imagination.”
Thanks for reading,
Ben