Tag: Silkworm pupae

Consumed by over 2 billion people worldwide, insects, including silkworms, are emerging as a sustainable and nutritious food source. This growing trend prompts many to ask: Is silkworm good for health, and what does the science say about its nutritional properties and potential risks?

Globally, over 2 billion people already consume insects as part of their traditional diets, and silkworms are among the most popular and nutritious of these edible insects. The benefits of eating silkworms, particularly the pupae, are numerous, spanning high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and a wide array of functional compounds that contribute to human health.

Over 2,000 species of insects are consumed globally, but their nutritional and caloric content varies dramatically depending on the species, developmental stage, and preparation method. This makes answering "How many calories are in edible worms?" more complex than it first appears, as the energy provided by a roasted mopane worm will differ greatly from that of a boiled silkworm pupa.

With the global population rising, the search for sustainable and nutrient-dense protein sources has led to renewed interest in entomophagy, the practice of eating insects. Studies show that many insects, including various 'worms' (often larvae), can offer a protein content far superior to traditional livestock on a dry-weight basis. This raises a specific question for health-conscious consumers: **Which worm has the highest protein?**