It’s been touted as the next high protein ‘superfood’.
And it’s no wonder the edible crickets are packed full of protein, potassium, calcium, iron and 12 times more vitamin B12 than salmon.
The six-legged insect contain all nine essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein that we must get from food – making it the ideal ‘complete protein’ source for optimal health.
And cricket protein powder has proven popular among Australians, with businesses now selling the protein-rich product across the country.
Cricket protein powder has proven popular among Australians, with businesses now selling the protein-rich product across the country
Co-founder of Grilo Protein Martina Meyer (pictured) launched her Byron Bay business three years ago after she saw an opening in the market for organic cricket powder
Co-founder of Grilo Protein Martina Meyer launched her Byron Bay business three years ago after she saw an opening in the market for organic cricket powder.
‘When we first started our organic cricket powder business, most people had that “ick factor” regarding edible insects,’ she said.
‘Fortunately this behaviour has changed as people are becoming more aware about the environmental problems we have been facing.
‘Crickets are an alternative protein source that doesn’t cost the Earth. On top of that, cricket are very healthy and taste delicious.’
The health conscious group of friends discovered the social and environmental impact caused by most animal protein sources available on the market.
And so they set out to look for a lower impact, more sustainable alternative high protein source to boost everyday meals and smoothies.
The six-legged insect contain all nine essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein that we must get from food – making it the ideal ‘complete protein’ source for optimal health
The superfood can be incorporated into your everyday food, including your baked treats
Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, entomologist Skye Blackburn said she believed we could all be tucking into protein-rich crickets, ants, mealworms and scorpions in the future.
She likened edible insects to sushi.
‘Twenty years ago in Australia, raw fish was considered strange. Now you’re seeing sushi everywhere you turn,’ Ms Blackburn said.
‘This just shows how Australia has grown their food knowledge and how our palates have changed over time – and the same will happen with edible insects.’
Foodies are finding ways to enjoy the organic cricket powder by mixing them into waffles
The edible crickets are packed full of protein, potassium, calcium, iron and 12 times more vitamin B12 than salmon
She said cricket powder was a nutritious ingredient to add to protein shakes, smoothies, curries and stir fries.
‘I even use the powder on my muesli or gnocchi to give that extra protein – and it leaves you feeling full for longer.’
She also said the product has become an alternative source of protein to meat – and bakers can even replace a third of their flour with the powder.
‘Eating a whole bug can be hard for people so they can now get them in a cricket powder form – it looks like any other protein powder you’d get,’ she explained.
‘There are different ways you can add the powder to the food you love – you can make vegetarian burgers with them.
‘I even add them to my brownies and cookies – because it’s more nutrient dense than a regular cookie or brownie.’