Mealworms protein is one of many insect proteins that is being considered as an alternative protein source in the EU. According to research recently conducted at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, this novel food option is considered as nutritious as gold standard dairy protein products. It’s an exciting development for anyone considering alternative protein sources and the environmental benefits of these products for future generations.
For this research project, the Buffalo mealworm was provided by Protifarm, which is a Dutch company. They are a member of Ÿnsect. Which is a natural insect protein coalition, and are passionate about sharing the benefits of this novel protein. It was found that both milk proteins and mealworms protein offered the same digestion and absorption qualities and were also equal when it came to stimulating muscle production. The CEO of Protifarm, Tom Mohrmann, shared that they see small brands looking to make changes within the food industry. And we can expect changes within the industry similar to those that took place with the expansion of the plant-based alternatives in the past few years.
Improving Marketing for Insect Protein Sources | Will Insect Protein Replace Milk Protein? | Insect-Based Food
Improving Marketing for Insect Protein Sources
One of the most important areas to consider to increase the adoption of insect proteins is marketing and communication in this area. When insects are changed from their original form, it will be easier for consumers to accept this as a source of protein. Instead of seeing the insects in their natural form, soluble concentrates and pure oils are alternatives that can be considered. It’s eventually expected that we’ll see insect protein incorporated into a wide range of traditional food formats, including pasta or mayonnaise, which could be created with a water-fat component from insects. The buffalo mealworm is just one example of an insect that could be used. It offers good texture, solubility and can easily combine with other substances.
The main consideration is getting consumers away from the mindset of it being disgusting to eat insects. It’s the same with any new food product. And once they try it, they’ll usually be pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes or the benefits it offers to their body. Consumers who’ve already tried insect-based products are naturally far more likely to buy any protein source created from insects. As opposed to those who’ve never tried it. It’s believed currently that North West Europe and North America are two of the regions that are most likely to adopt insect proteins. On top of that, Thailand, Japan, and Mexico are cited as other easy targets for insect protein. This happens due to their cultural heritage.
Just recently, the EU member states approved yellow mealworms protein products for human consumption. This will be marketed by Agronutris, a French company. This will be the first company within Europe to sell food-grade insects. And Ÿnsect is now trying to follow in their footsteps, having submitted an application for their Buffalo mealworm products.
Will Insect Protein Replace Milk Protein?
In the past, milk protein was always considered to be the perfect protein source for humans. It consists of 80% casein and 20% whey. However, with the recent consumer trends and reduced consumption of dairy products, consumers are now looking for more environmentally-friendly solutions. Investors are already looking to put their money into finding dairy alternatives, including fermented or cell-based options. The reason that mealworms protein is such an excellent alternative is that it’s easy to digest and contains the nine essential amino acids our body needs. It’s also incredibly effective at stimulating muscle protein synthesis, and research suggests. The results in this area aren’t dissimilar to that of milk protein.
When compared to the popular alternative sources of protein on offer today, insect proteins are much more beneficial to humans than plant-based proteins. These plant-based options often don’t contain all nine amino acids. And their level of the most critical amino acids are often too low. Before now, insect flour was the only ingredient available. Therefore the lack of high-quality ingredients made it challenging to find a solution with the right texture and solubility.
Insect-Based Food
Entovegans is a new term coined to describe individuals who normally consume meat alternatives but accept insect-based ingredients. Many companies find that one of the areas in which they could use insect-based proteins is performance nutrition. Which is designed for athletes, those recovering from injury or illness, and the elderly. These products are designed to help people gain strength and increase the nutritional value of their diet. On top of that, the alternative dairy industry is continuing to grow at a rapid rate. Instead of relying on plant-based products that have strange tastes and are difficult to digest, insect-based products may be the future.
Popular food on social media
Foodies becoming incredibly popular on social media. Especially those from Gen Z and working in creative industries, people are more interested in trying new food sources. Individuals today are excited to have new experiences in their lives and are more likely to try and adopt new trends. Similar to the way how meat alternatives took off, new protein sources are likely to be shared and adopted in this way. Protein enhanced products were also popular with these groups, who were happy to try new pasta or granola products that were enhanced with protein.
Research suggests that about 60% of 1000 consumers surveyed within Western Europe are interested in insect protein-based sports nutrition products. It’s also predicted that the US will notice an increase in the interest in these protein sources. As they’ll soon be more readily accepted within the food industry. Within the next few years, we can expect to see insect protein slowly enter the food market and start to match the quality of dairy protein sources. Offering the same sustainability benefits as plant-based products, this will be an exciting development to watch in the future.
