Are Mealworms Used in Protein Powder? Separating Fact from Fiction

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 study, the global mealworm market was valued at over $300 million and is projected to experience rapid growth, fueling interest in how this protein source is utilized in food products. The question of whether are mealworms used in protein powder is becoming increasingly relevant as the demand for sustainable and alternative protein options grows.

Quick Summary

Yes, mealworms are used to create protein powder, although they are not a standard ingredient in mainstream brands. This insect-based alternative is gaining popularity due to its high nutritional value and environmental sustainability, but clear labeling ensures consumers know what they are purchasing. The practice aligns with the growing interest in entomophagy, or the consumption of insects.

Key Points

Yes, Mealworms are in Protein Powder: Mealworms are farmed, dried, and ground into a fine powder used as a protein supplement in certain products.
Complete and High-Quality Protein: Mealworm protein powder is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, and has been found to be comparable to milk protein in stimulating muscle synthesis.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Producing mealworm protein requires significantly less land, water, and feed than traditional livestock farming, resulting in a much lower environmental footprint.
Versatile Ingredient: Mealworm powder is used not just in shakes but also in energy bars, baked goods, and other fortified food products.
Transparency is Key: Reputable brands clearly label products containing insect protein, so consumers can make informed decisions.
Health and Safety Considerations: Allergic reactions, particularly in those with shellfish allergies, are a potential concern due to cross-reactivity. However, proper processing minimizes microbial risks.

Mealworms as a Sustainable Protein Source

Mealworms, specifically the larvae of the Tenebrio molitor beetle, are an emerging and highly sustainable source of protein. They are farmed for both animal and, increasingly, human consumption due to their high protein content and low environmental impact compared to traditional livestock. The process involves rearing the larvae in controlled environments, which requires significantly less land, water, and feed while producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Once mature, the mealworms are harvested, dehydrated, and ground into a fine powder or flour. This nutrient-rich powder is then used as an ingredient to boost the protein content of various food items, including supplements like protein powder.

The Nutritional Profile of Mealworm Protein

Nutritionally, mealworm protein is a powerhouse. It offers a complete amino acid profile, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health, similar to high-quality animal proteins like milk or whey. In fact, some studies show that mealworm protein is just as effective as milk protein for digestion and stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Dried mealworm powder can contain up to 50-60% protein by weight, along with healthy fats, fiber, and essential micronutrients. These micronutrients include vitamins, such as B12, and minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium. The combination of complete protein and micronutrients makes mealworm powder a viable and beneficial alternative to other protein sources.

How Mealworm Protein Powder is Made

The production of mealworm protein powder is a controlled and hygienic process. First, mealworms are raised in farms using sustainable methods, often feeding on organic side-streams like wheat bran. This contributes to a circular economy by turning agricultural by-products into high-value protein. After reaching the larval stage, they are harvested, cleaned, and sterilized through thermal processing, such as boiling or roasting. Following this, they are dehydrated or freeze-dried to remove moisture, which significantly concentrates the nutritional content. Finally, the dried mealworms are finely milled into a flour or powder, ready to be incorporated into different products. The use of regulated, quality-controlled farms is crucial for ensuring the product is safe for human consumption and free from contaminants.

Is Mealworm Protein for You? A Comparison

When considering insect-based proteins, it's helpful to compare them to more traditional options. While mealworm protein is a high-quality alternative, it's not a direct competitor for all applications. Here's a comparison to help you decide:


Feature	Mealworm Protein	Whey Protein (Dairy)	Pea Protein (Plant-Based)
Protein Quality	Complete amino acid profile; comparable to milk protein for muscle synthesis.	Complete amino acid profile; considered the "gold standard" for muscle building.	Incomplete amino acid profile; often needs combining with other sources for completeness.
Sustainability	Very high; low land, water, and feed requirements with low greenhouse gas emissions.	Moderate; traditional livestock farming has a significant environmental footprint.	High; generally requires less resources than livestock, though farming practices vary.
Allergenicity	Potential risk for individuals with shellfish allergies due to cross-reactivity.	Contains milk allergens (casein, whey); not suitable for lactose intolerance.	Generally low allergenicity; suitable for many with dairy or other allergies.
Taste Profile	Earthy, nutty flavor. Often blended into smoothies or baked goods to mask the taste.	Mild, milky flavor. Easily mixes into beverages and recipes.	Earthy, often chalky flavor. Flavor can be strong and require masking.
Fat Content	Higher fat content than some alternatives; contains healthy unsaturated fats.	Typically low in fat, especially isolates.	Low in fat.
Market Availability	Niche market; found primarily in eco-conscious products and online retailers.	Widespread availability in stores and online.	Growing availability, found in many health food stores and online.

Mealworm Protein Applications and the Future of Food

Beyond simply being an additive, mealworm powder is versatile and can be used in a variety of food products to enhance nutritional value without the visual aversion some consumers have to whole insects. It's used in energy bars, baked goods like muffins and pasta, and, of course, protein shakes. As consumer education and acceptance grow, mealworm protein is expected to become more prevalent. The market is already expanding rapidly, with projections for significant growth over the next decade. This growth is spurred by the dual benefits of providing high-quality nutrition while reducing the environmental footprint of protein production. Companies are continuing to invest in research to optimize processing techniques, improve flavor, and increase scalability to meet the future protein demands of a growing global population. To explore brands currently offering insect-based protein products, a search on retailers specializing in eco-conscious foods can be helpful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, mealworms are used in protein powder, representing a significant shift towards more sustainable and innovative food sources. While still a niche market compared to traditional whey or plant-based options, mealworm protein offers a complete nutritional profile comparable to animal proteins, alongside a significantly lower environmental impact. Transparent labeling ensures consumers are fully aware of what they are purchasing, and ongoing market growth and development suggest a promising future for insect-based protein in addressing global food security challenges. For those looking to reduce their ecological footprint without compromising on protein quality, mealworm-based supplements are a legitimate and viable option to consider. It’s a taste of the future, available today.

The World Economic Forum: 5 reasons why eating insects can reduce climate change

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most mainstream protein powders on the market do not contain mealworms. The majority are made from traditional sources like whey, casein, soy, or pea protein. Mealworm-based protein powders are a specialized, niche product found in eco-friendly or alternative protein markets.

Yes, when sourced from reputable suppliers and processed according to food safety standards, mealworm protein powder is safe for human consumption. Proper thermal processing eliminates microbial risks. However, individuals with shellfish or dust mite allergies may experience cross-reactive allergic reactions.

Mealworm protein powder is often described as having an earthy or nutty flavor. The taste is mild and easily masked when mixed into smoothies, baked goods, or other recipes. The final product's flavor can also depend on the specific processing methods and how it is incorporated into a recipe.

Research has shown that mealworm protein is comparable to milk-based protein in terms of digestion and its ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. It offers a complete amino acid profile, making it a high-quality protein source. While whey is a market leader, mealworm protein is a strong nutritional alternative, particularly for those prioritizing sustainability.

The primary reasons are environmental sustainability and nutritional benefits. Mealworm farming is far more resource-efficient than traditional livestock, requiring less land, water, and feed. For health-conscious consumers, it provides a complete and nutrient-dense protein source with a lower ecological footprint.

Yes, mealworm protein can be effectively used for muscle building. Studies have found its amino acid absorption kinetics and ability to support muscle protein synthesis to be similar to milk protein. It contains the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.

Brands using mealworm protein are transparent about their ingredients, which are clearly listed on the product label. You will typically see it listed as 'mealworm powder' or similar terminology, often with a disclaimer about potential allergies related to shellfish.