Europe embraces mealworm cuisine as an eco‑friendly protein source
The European Commission is implementing changes in the food market. It has approved the use of powdered mealworm larvae as a food ingredient, including in bread. This measure has sparked controversy among consumers.
The European Commission's Regulation (EU 2025/89) permits the use of mealworm larvae powder in a variety of products, such as cheeses, jams, pasta, and bread. The larvae must be treated with UV radiation. Products containing this ingredient must bear proper labels, specifically warning individuals allergic to crustaceans about possible allergic reactions.
Economist Adam Gwiazda notes that the European Commission's decision aligns with the FAO's policy, which has long advocated for insects as a more environmentally friendly source of protein. Alongside mealworms, house crickets and migratory locusts have been added to the list of approved foods for consumption. They are available in frozen, dried, and powdered forms.
The World Economic Forum stresses that insects can help combat climate change by offering alternative protein sources. It reports that insects, algae, and products produced using modern methods are considered "novel food. "
The trend of incorporating insects into food is not confined to Europe. In Singapore, the consumption of 16 species of insects, including beetles and grasshoppers, has been approved for as early as 2024. However, it is required that these ingredients are sourced from appropriate farms.
