How Much Protein is in One Insect?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Researchers generally agree that insects are rich in protein, with the average protein content of edible insects ranging from 10–25% fresh weight or 35–60% dry weight. The precise amount of protein in one insect depends heavily on its species, size, and developmental stage.

Quick Summary

The protein content of a single insect varies by species, developmental stage, and size. This article breaks down the nutritional specifics for common edible insects like crickets and mealworms to give an accurate picture of their protein contributions.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: The amount of protein in one insect varies greatly depending on its species, size, and developmental stage.
Crickets Provide Minimal Protein Individually: A single house cricket offers only about 0.04 to 0.06 grams of protein, but their collective contribution is significant.
Mealworms Have Higher Protein when Dried: Live mealworms contain a lower percentage of protein (around 20%) compared to dried mealworm meal, which can exceed 50% protein by dry weight.
Insects Are a Complete Protein Source: Edible insects are a high-quality protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids needed for human health.
Sustainability Advantage: Farming insects for protein is far more resource-efficient than traditional livestock, requiring less land, water, and feed.
Processing Improves Digestibility: Methods like roasting or milling can break down the chitin in an insect's exoskeleton, which may increase protein digestibility.
Beyond Protein Nutrients: Insects offer more than just protein, including healthy fats, vitamins (like B12), and minerals (like iron and zinc).

The Varies Factors of Insect Protein

Determining the exact amount of protein in a single insect is not a simple calculation due to several biological variables. These factors can cause significant variation in nutritional composition, even within the same species. When evaluating an insect's protein content, it's essential to consider:

Species: Different insect species have unique nutritional profiles.
Developmental Stage: Larvae and pupae typically have higher fat content than adult insects, which affects the protein percentage.
Diet and Environment: An insect's food and environment directly influence its nutrient composition.
Water vs. Dry Weight: Dried insects have a much higher percentage of protein by weight than fresh insects due to water removal.
Processing Method: How an insect is prepared (e.g., roasted, boiled, powdered) affects its nutritional value and protein bioavailability.

Protein Profiles of Common Edible Insects

While exact values fluctuate, the following provides an approximation of protein content in popular edible species:

Crickets: An average adult house cricket weighs 0.3-0.5 grams and contains roughly 0.04 to 0.06 grams of protein (12.9% fresh weight). Cricket powder is more concentrated, up to 65% protein dry weight.
Mealworms: A live mealworm weighs about 0.1-0.2 grams and is approximately 20% protein, yielding 0.02-0.04 grams of protein per insect. Dried mealworms exceed 50% protein.
Grasshoppers/Locusts: A large specimen can weigh up to 2 grams, providing about 0.4 grams of protein (20.6% fresh weight). Dried protein is more concentrated.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae: High in protein and fat, with protein potentially over 40% dry matter. Individual larva protein is minimal, but they are mass-reared for meal.

A Look at Protein Quality and Digestibility

Insects are considered a high-quality, complete protein source with all essential amino acids, sometimes comparable to beef or soy.

Comparison Table: Protein in Insects vs. Traditional Sources


Source	Protein (per 100g, fresh)	Typical Grams of Protein (per serving)	Key Difference
Crickets	~13g	0.04g per insect	High protein-to-fat ratio.
Mealworms	~20g	0.03g per insect	Balanced protein and fats.
Grasshoppers	~20g	0.4g per large insect	Higher fresh weight protein.
Beef (Lean)	~26g	~30g per 100g serving	Higher per-serving protein; higher environmental impact.
Chicken (Breast)	~21g	~21g per 100g serving	Comparable protein; less efficient production.

The chitin in an insect's exoskeleton can affect digestibility, but processing like roasting or milling can improve protein availability. Digestibility can range from 77% to 98%.

Beyond Protein: A Nutrient-Dense Package

Insects offer more than just protein, providing healthy fats (omega-3 and -6), essential minerals (iron, zinc, calcium), vitamins (including B12), and fiber from chitin.

Sustainable Protein Source for the Future

Beyond individual nutrition, insects are a highly sustainable protein source. They require significantly less land, water, and feed and produce fewer greenhouse gases than traditional livestock. Insect-based products are increasing their integration into diets. A portion of insects or insect meal is a viable, eco-friendly protein source.

Conclusion

While the protein in a single insect is minimal, a serving of insects or insect-based product offers substantial, high-quality protein and a range of other nutrients. Species, stage, and processing affect protein content. Edible insects are positioned to be a significant, sustainable food source.

Authoritative Resource for Further Learning

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations provides extensive resources on the nutritional and sustainable aspects of insects as food and feed.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single cricket provides only a tiny amount of protein, around 0.04 to 0.06 grams. The nutritional value comes from consuming a portion of insects or insect-based products, not a single one.

While the protein percentage of some dried insects is comparable to beef by weight, beef contains a higher amount of protein by fresh weight. However, insect farming is far more environmentally sustainable.

The presence of chitin in the insect's exoskeleton can make protein digestion more challenging. However, modern processing methods like milling insects into powder can significantly increase protein bioavailability.

Yes, many edible insect species are considered complete protein sources, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids required for a healthy human diet.

Yes, insects are considered a highly sustainable alternative to traditional meat sources. They require significantly less land, water, and feed and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than livestock.

No, the protein content varies widely across different species, life stages, diets, and environments. A mealworm's protein profile, for example, is different from a cricket's.

The insect's nutritional value is influenced by its species, developmental stage, diet, and living environment. These factors determine the balance of protein, fat, and other nutrients.