Chirps Chips: The Leader in Cricket Snacks
When exploring which chips have crickets in them, the brand Chirps is a top-of-mind example. Featured on the television show Shark Tank, Chirps made a name for itself by introducing baked, gluten-free chips that replace a portion of traditional corn and rice with protein-rich cricket flour. The founders sought to make entomophagy—the practice of eating insects—more accessible to a Western market by presenting crickets in a familiar, snackable format.
Nutritional Advantages of Cricket-Based Chips
The appeal of cricket-based snacks like Chirps goes beyond novelty; they offer significant nutritional benefits compared to traditional chips.
- Higher Protein Content: Cricket flour is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and metabolic function. A serving of Chirps chips can offer as much protein as an egg white.
- Environmentally Sustainable: Crickets require significantly less water, feed, and land to farm than traditional livestock like cattle, while also producing fewer greenhouse gases.
- Rich in Micronutrients: Cricket flour is a surprising powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including high levels of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
- Gut Health Benefits: The chitin found in the cricket exoskeleton acts as a prebiotic fiber, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
The Rise and Evolution of Edible Insect Snacks
While Chirps may be one of the most prominent, the edible insect industry includes other brands and products that have emerged over the years. Some companies focus on providing plain cricket flour for baking, while others produce a variety of insect-based snacks to normalize entomophagy.
Here is a list of companies involved in edible insect products, which may offer or have offered chips or similar flour-based items:
- Chirps Chips: The most well-known cricket chip, often sold in specialty stores and online.
- Circle Harvest (formerly Edible Bug Shop): An Australian company that has offered cricket powder tortilla chips and other bug-based products.
- Entomo Farms: A large-scale cricket farm that produces organic cricket powder for use in a variety of foods.
- Cricket Flours: A company selling cricket powder and mixes, suitable for integrating into homemade chip recipes.
Comparative Analysis: Cricket Chips vs. Traditional Chips
| Feature | Cricket Chips (e.g., Chirps) | Traditional Chips (e.g., Potato Chips) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Higher (4-7g per serving) | Low (typically 1-2g per serving) |
| Fat | Lower, baked (7-8g per serving) | Higher, often fried (10g+ per serving) |
| Micronutrients | Rich in B12, Iron, Omega-3s | Variable, often fortified or minimal |
| Fiber | Higher (from chitin) | Low |
| Sustainability | Low environmental impact (less water/land) | Higher environmental impact |
| Market Availability | Niche, specialty, or online stores | Widespread in mainstream grocery stores |
| Allergen Warning | Potential for shellfish allergy sensitivity | Common allergens vary by brand (e.g., dairy) |
Considerations for Consumers
For consumers interested in trying chips with crickets, there are a few important points to consider.
First, check the ingredients list. Brands may use cricket flour as a supplement, so the product might still be primarily made of corn, rice, or other flours. Next, be mindful of potential allergens. Because insects are related to shellfish, individuals with shellfish allergies may experience a reaction to crickets. Finally, availability can be limited. These products are often sold through the manufacturer's website or in health food and specialty stores rather than standard supermarket aisles.
Conclusion: The Future of Cricket-Enhanced Snacks
While chips containing crickets are not yet a mainstream product found in every grocery store, brands like Chirps have successfully pioneered this market by offering a nutritious and sustainable alternative to conventional snacks. As consumer demand for eco-friendly and high-protein food options grows, the availability of cricket-based products is likely to expand. These chips represent a step towards normalizing insect consumption in Western diets, utilizing cricket flour's complete protein profile, healthy fats, and rich micronutrient content. For adventurous eaters or those seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, seeking out a bag of cricket chips offers a unique and beneficial snacking experience. The nutty and earthy flavor of cricket flour blends well with savory seasonings, making it a viable and tasty option for future food innovation.
For more information on the environmental and nutritional benefits of edible insects, visit the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) website, a leading authoritative source on global food trends.
This article focuses on chips made with cricket flour. It does not address snacks containing whole crickets, which are also available from various specialty vendors.
