Leading Brands That Use Insect Protein
While the market for insect-based protein bars has evolved, with some early pioneers like Exo and Chapul shifting focus, several brands continue to incorporate cricket protein (also known as Acheta domesticus flour) into their products due to its nutritional density and sustainable footprint. These brands typically mill the insects into a fine, flavor-neutral powder, which is then blended with other natural ingredients like nuts, dates, and seeds to create palatable and nutritious bars.
Here are some of the key players in the insect protein bar space:
- SENS: This UK-based company is a notable European brand offering cricket-based snacks, including protein bars. SENS provides options with varying percentages of cricket powder, focusing on high protein and low-carb formulations for fitness and recovery. They also produce other cricket protein products, such as pasta and crackers.
- Näak: A Canadian brand with a strong focus on sustainability, Näak's product line includes energy and protein bars made with cricket powder. The brand emphasizes the complete amino acid profile of cricket protein and its significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock.
- Landish: Also based in Canada, Landish offers a variety of products, including protein bars, that use cricket powder. They cater to those with dietary sensitivities, as their bars are often free from common allergens like dairy, soy, nuts, and eggs.
- Bite Snacks: This Vancouver-based company produces cricket protein bars that aim to mimic a guilt-free dessert. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO, offering an easy entry point into insect-based foods.
- Hoppa Foods: Known for its cricket protein energy bars, Hoppa Foods uses a blend of natural ingredients like dates, cashew nuts, and cocoa alongside sustainable cricket protein. Their bars are free from soy, wheat, dairy, and GMO ingredients.
- Earthproof Protein: Originating from Nova Scotia, this brand provides cricket protein bars that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and use no artificial ingredients. They focus on delivering a quick and easily digestible energy boost.
- Fit Cricket: Offering both cricket protein bars and whole roasted crickets, Fit Cricket makes its products with natural ingredients and no refined sugar. They also highlight their commitment to using green energy in their production processes.
The Nutritional Advantages of Cricket Protein
Cricket powder is a nutritional powerhouse, often cited as a 'superfood' for its comprehensive nutritional profile. Compared to conventional protein sources like beef and chicken, cricket protein stands out in several key areas:
- Complete Protein: Cricket powder contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source necessary for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Micronutrients: It is packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, including significantly more iron than spinach or beef, abundant vitamin B12 (vital for red blood cell production), calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
- Healthy Fats: Crickets are a good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Beneficial Fiber: The exoskeleton of crickets contains chitin, an insoluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic. This helps support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce inflammation and improve overall gut health.
Insect Protein Bars: A Market Comparison
| Brand | Protein (g) | Key Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SENS | 20g | Cricket powder, pumpkin seeds, fava beans | UK-based, low-carb 'serious bar' available |
| Näak | ~20g | Cricket powder, nuts, seeds | Canadian, emphasizes sustainability |
| Landish | 10g | Cricket powder, seed butter, brown rice syrup | Canadian, free from most common allergens |
| Bite Snacks | 7g | Cricket powder, peanut butter, whole grain oats | Canadian, dessert-like taste, low-level intro to cricket protein |
| Fit Cricket | 10g | Cricket flour, date paste, honey | Canadian, uses green energy in production |
| Bug Out Bar | 15g | Almond butter, pea protein, dates, honey | Paleo-friendly, high protein and fiber |
Why Choose an Insect Protein Bar?
Aside from the impressive nutritional density, the primary driver behind the push for insect protein is environmental sustainability. As the global population grows, so does the demand for protein, placing a massive strain on the planet's resources. Insect farming provides a highly efficient and eco-friendly solution.
- Resource Efficiency: Crickets require significantly less water, feed, and land than traditional livestock. One source notes that cricket farming requires 2000 times less water and 12 times less feed than raising cattle for the same amount of protein.
- Reduced Emissions: Insect production generates far fewer greenhouse gases and less ammonia compared to cattle farming, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Circular Economy: Insect farming can also reduce food waste by feeding insects with leftover food, contributing to a more circular and sustainable food system.
For consumers, this translates into a product that is not only good for their health but also for the planet. The mild, nutty flavor of cricket flour is easily masked by other ingredients, making the bars approachable even for those with initial hesitation toward entomophagy.
The Future of Edible Insects
The edible insect market continues to evolve, driven by increased awareness of sustainability and the nutritional benefits of alternative proteins. While some brands have exited the bar market, new players and product innovations are emerging. The focus is shifting from a novelty item to a functional, everyday food. The regulatory landscape is also adapting, which will further shape the market. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been a vocal advocate for insects as a sustainable food source, which lends significant credibility to the industry.
Conclusion
Several pioneering brands, primarily in North America and Europe, have successfully introduced insect protein bars to the market. These bars, which utilize cricket flour, offer a complete protein source rich in essential nutrients like B12, iron, and omega-3s, as well as gut-healthy fiber. Beyond their potent nutritional profile, their most compelling feature is their environmental sustainability, demanding far fewer resources than conventional animal protein. For consumers seeking a nutritious and eco-conscious snack, investigating brands like Näak, SENS, and Landish offers a practical entry point into the world of edible insects.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional aspects of cricket protein, a review from WebMD provides excellent insights: Acheta Powder: Benefits, Nutrition, and How to Use Cricket Flour.
