The Rise of Entomophagy: Cricket Flour in the USA
As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices, alternative protein sources are gaining traction. Entomophagy, or the practice of eating insects, has moved from a novelty to a recognized, sustainable trend, with cricket flour leading the charge. This ingredient is essentially a powder made from finely milled crickets, packed with complete protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and B12. The mild, nutty flavor of cricket flour makes it a versatile addition to a wide range of food products, from energy bars to baking mixes. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key players and products featuring cricket flour in the American market.
Leading American Brands Using Cricket Flour
Exo Protein
Founded by Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz, Exo Protein is a pioneering brand known for its cricket protein bars and pure cricket powder. Their product line emphasizes clean, whole-food ingredients and flavors that appeal to health-conscious consumers. The bars are celebrated for their balanced nutritional profile and taste. Exo's mission aligns with promoting sustainable protein sources, and their presence has helped normalize insect-based foods in the US.
Mighty Cricket
Mighty Cricket offers a variety of products, including protein powders, oatmeal, and snack bites, all made with sustainable cricket flour. This brand aims to make cricket-based foods accessible and appealing, focusing on delicious taste and high nutritional value. Their products cater to a growing market of individuals seeking nutritious and environmentally friendly options for their daily diet.
Entomo Farms
While they serve as a leading bulk supplier of cricket flour to many other brands, Entomo Farms also offers its own line of consumer-facing products. This Canadian-based farm is a major industry player in North America, known for its commitment to high-quality, sustainable production. Consumers can purchase their organic cricket powder and whole roasted crickets directly for culinary experimentation.
Chapul
Chapul was one of the first brands to introduce cricket flour protein bars to the US market, founded by Pat Crowley. Supported by Mark Cuban, Chapul's mission is rooted in promoting sustainable food systems. Their distinct flavors, such as Aztec, helped build initial market awareness for insect protein. While some products may have shifted over time, Chapul's legacy as a trailblazer remains.
Chirps
For those seeking a savory snack, Chirps offers the first-ever cricket protein chips. Unlike many standard chips that are high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients, Chirps are packed with protein and fiber. The cricket flour adds a subtle nutty flavor, and their product line features various crave-worthy flavors, proving that insect-based snacks can be both delicious and nutritious.
Green Bite
Green Bite offers eco-friendly protein bars featuring cricket flour, emphasizing natural, clean ingredients. Their product messaging focuses on sustainability and providing a wholesome energy boost. The brand caters to those seeking a conscious snack choice, highlighting that their products are derived from sustainable resources without animal farming.
Fit Cricket
Fit Cricket specializes in cricket protein bars and powder, marketing them to athletes and busy individuals as a protein-packed snack option. With 10 grams of protein per bar, Fit Cricket aims to deliver a convenient and healthy fuel source for active lifestyles.
Hopper Foods
Hopper Foods focuses on crafting granola with cricket flour, offering a sustainable and nutritious breakfast or snack option. Their granola is gluten-free, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients, appealing to those looking for healthy and environmentally sound choices.
Comparison Table of Popular Cricket Flour Products
| Feature | Exo Protein Bars | Mighty Cricket Protein Powder | Chirps Cricket Chips | Entomo Farms Cricket Powder | Fit Cricket Bars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Energy/Protein Bars | Protein Powder | Savory Chips | Pure Powder | Energy/Protein Bars |
| Key Ingredient | Cricket, pea, egg protein | Pure cricket flour | Cricket flour, pea protein | 100% Cricket flour | Cricket flour |
| Flavor Profile | Various, e.g., Fudge Brownie | Neutral, mild taste | Various, e.g., Sea Salt | Mild, nutty | Various |
| Best For | On-the-go snack, workouts | Smoothies, baking | Snacking, appetizers | Cooking, baking, DIY | Active lifestyles |
| Sustainability | High | High | High | High | High |
Where to Buy Cricket Flour Products
Most cricket flour products are available for purchase directly from the brand websites, as well as on major online retail platforms like Amazon. Additionally, some health food stores and specialty retailers may carry a selection of these items. Given the niche nature of the market, online shopping generally offers the widest variety.
The Future of Edible Insects in the USA
Consumer perception of edible insects is shifting, driven by growing interest in sustainable and nutritious foods. As more brands enter the market with diverse and appealing products, the demand for cricket flour is expected to rise. Innovators are continually exploring new culinary applications, from pasta and bread to meat substitutes, suggesting a future where insect-based protein becomes a more common pantry staple. This expanded product line and increased accessibility will further solidify the role of cricket flour in building a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Conclusion
From pioneering brands like Exo and Chapul to innovative snack makers like Chirps and Mighty Cricket, the US market for cricket flour is diverse and expanding. These companies offer consumers a range of products—including protein bars, powders, and chips—that provide a nutritious and sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources. As awareness of entomophagy grows, more people are finding that incorporating cricket flour into their diet is an easy and delicious way to support their health and the planet.
Learn more about acheta powder and its benefits on WebMD
What brands use cricket flour in the USA for humans?
- Exo Protein: Known for its cricket protein bars and pure cricket powder.
- Mighty Cricket: Offers protein powders, oatmeal, and snack bites.
- Entomo Farms: Supplies bulk cricket flour and offers its own line of retail products.
- Chapul: A pioneering brand that developed cricket flour protein bars.
- Chirps: Specializes in cricket protein chips.
- Green Bite: Focuses on sustainable cricket protein bars.
- Fit Cricket: Sells cricket protein bars and powder for active individuals.
- Hopper Foods: Creates granola with cricket flour.
What is cricket flour and what are its benefits?
Cricket flour is a powder made from milled crickets, offering a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids. It's also rich in fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, providing a nutrient-dense and highly sustainable food option.
Are there any allergy concerns with cricket flour?
Yes. Individuals with a crustacean shellfish allergy should be cautious, as crickets and shellfish are closely related, and cross-reactivity is possible. It is best to avoid cricket flour if you have this allergy.
Where can I purchase cricket flour products?
Cricket flour products are widely available online through the brands' official websites and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon. Some specialty health food stores may also carry these items, but online shopping typically offers a broader selection.
What does cricket flour taste like?
Cricket flour has a mild, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor. Its subtlety allows it to be easily integrated into various recipes, from baked goods and smoothies to protein bars, without overpowering other ingredients.
How is cricket flour a sustainable protein source?
Crickets require significantly less water, land, and feed than traditional livestock like cows, pigs, or chickens to produce the same amount of protein. They also emit substantially fewer greenhouse gases, making them a very eco-friendly and resource-efficient food source.
Can cricket flour be used in baking and cooking?
Yes, cricket flour is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It can be added to bread, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and pasta to boost the nutritional profile. It's also a popular ingredient for making protein shakes and smoothies.
Is cricket flour suitable for gluten-free diets?
Most cricket flour products, especially pure powders, are naturally gluten-free. Some brands, like Green Bite, even specifically market their bars as gluten-free. However, consumers should always check individual product labels for certification and potential cross-contamination if they have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
