It’s well-known that many cultures all over the globe have supplemented their diets with various insects.
Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is currently practiced in Africa, China, Cambodia, Mexico, Columbia, South America, and many other countries.
Crickets are a mainstay but grasshoppers, cicadas, certain species of caterpillar, scorpion, and silkworm are eaten too.
I also have heard of people who grow fly larvae to eat as well.
According to some sources there are 1462 species of edible insects in the world today.
Before industrial farming, which necessitates heavy use of pesticides, famine was not as severe in drought stricken regions of Africa because locals could get by foraging insects to survive.
Not very appetizing to me but when one adds a heavy dose of chocolate and sugar to the equation the prospect of eating bugs sounds more doable.
Enter Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz of Exo Foods,
“Eating insects is sustainable in every dimension: nutritionally, environmentally and economically,” said Gabi Lewis, who runs Exo Foods, the company behind the cricket bars, with fellow Brown University graduate Greg Sewitz. “In that sense, insects are a true superfood.”Here is what is inarguable:Crickets are a high source of protein, eaten regularly by people in other parts of the world.Two billion eat 1,900 varieties of insects, according to a report released by the United Nations in May, which also says that entomophagy — the consumption of insects — could solve the food crisis of the future.Crickets need 12 times less feed than cattle.They reproduce quicker than other animals.On average it takes $350 a year to raise a cow whereas 1,000 crickets need only around $ 50 for food supplies and upkeep.”
These fellows aren’t the first to utilize crickets or market cricket bars.
Chapul, based in Utah, is another company which sells their product in 14 states.
Although I haven’t ventured to try them myself; In Manhattan you can find their bars at the Westerly Natural Market on the corner of West 54th St. and 8th Avenues.