Insect protein is expected to rise strongly

Alternative protein is undoubtedly one of the most concerned and sought-after investment areas in the food industry. Because of the natural and healthy traditional image, most food and beverage companies have set their sights on plant protein, but there are also a few companies dedicated to the development of insect protein. This kind of protein sounds scary, but it has more nutrition and less resource consumption than plant protein.

Potential of insects in the food market

Humans have had the habit of eating insects since ancient times, especially in some Asian and African regions. Many people take insects as their daily diet. For example, Thais like to eat fried locusts. Some ethnic minorities in Yunnan, China also have a tradition of eating insects. In 2013, the United Nations issued a report "endorsing" insects, stating that there are more than 1,900 species of edible insects in the world. 2 billion people have eaten insects in the past, and insects are rich in protein, trace elements and dietary fiber. Eating more insects is good for the body.

According to Global Market Insights, the global insect food market is valued at US$143.6 million in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 45% expected to reach US$1.3 billion by 2025. At present, there are insect foods in various fields including baking, snacks, seasonings, dairy products, alternative meat, etc., and start-ups specializing in insect protein are also beginning to emerge.

Advantages of insect protein as a food ingredient

1. Richer nutritional value

Most plant proteins usually lack one or more Amino Acids. Even soy protein, which has a complete range of essential amino acids and stands at the top of plant protein, has low methionine and Lysine content and low absorption and utilization rate. Animal protein is comparable. Insect protein is rich in 9 amino acids and 17 other amino acids necessary for the human body. The highest content of glutamic acid is higher than that of all animal proteins. It is good for improving children’s intellectual development, recovering after illness, and anti-aging. In addition, it also contains a large amount of methionine and lysine which are lacking in plant protein. In addition, insect amino acid digestion utilization rate is very high, reaching 70%-80%, which is close to or exceeding the utilization rate of meat and fish. In addition, it also contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including B vitamins that are lacking in plant protein, so there is no need to go through a lot of processing and additional nutrients like plant protein. At the same time, insect protein has very low fat and cholesterol content, which is healthier than animal protein. Mixing insect protein with plant protein will achieve an excellent complementary effect.

2. More comprehensive health effects

Chitin (chitin) contained in insect protein is known as the “sixth life nutrient element” after protein, sugar, fat, vitamins, and minerals. It can regulate immunity and has a prebiotic effect; insect protein has unique antibacterial properties Peptide component is a highly effective and natural antibiotic, which can inhibit the nucleic acid metabolism and growth of certain tumor cells, enhance human immunity, and also play a health care effect on liver and kidney.
In addition, a study published in "Frontiers In Nutrition" found that the antioxidant concentration of crushed grasshoppers, silkworms and crickets is 5 times that of fresh orange juice, and Antioxidants can fight harmful free radicals in the body. All aging-related diseases caused by free radicals can be prevented.

3. Lower resource consumption
Breeding insects can save water, land and energy consumption, occupy less breeding space, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is an important measure for sustainable development.


Insect food is getting attention

In the field of alternative protein, although insect-related innovation, research and development and capital investment are far less than plant protein, its unique advantages have attracted the attention of the industry. Food giants such as PepsiCo, as well as some European government agencies, have begun to establish incubator projects or Financing to help insect food venture capital companies develop better.

1. Pepsi incubator project: insect protein snacks Jimini’s

Jimini's is a French start-up company that specializes in providing insect food. It produces instant insect snacks and energy bars made of insect protein powder. It mainly uses three raw materials: grasshoppers, mealworms and crickets. It is in a professional farm in the Netherlands. Breeding can ensure traceability and quality.

Jimini's currently sells insect food in five European countries. The next step will be to develop insect-based meat patties and texturized insect proteins that have the chewiness and texture of real meat.

Insect food is getting attention

In the field of alternative protein, although insect-related innovation, research and development and capital investment are far less than plant protein, its unique advantages have attracted the attention of the industry. Food giants such as PepsiCo, as well as some European government agencies, have begun to establish incubator projects or Financing to help insect food venture capital companies develop better.

1. Pepsi incubator project: insect protein snacks Jimini’s

Jimini's is a French start-up company that specializes in providing insect food. It produces instant insect snacks and energy bars made of insect protein powder. It mainly uses three raw materials: grasshoppers, mealworms and crickets. It is in a professional farm in the Netherlands. Breeding can ensure traceability and quality.

Jimini's currently sells insect food in five European countries. The next step will be to develop insect-based meat patties and texturized insect proteins that have the chewiness and texture of real meat.