Insect Food Pte Ltd, one of the earliest pioneers to produce and commercialise insect-based protein food in Singapore, has recently revealed that it will be launching a new snack product using meal worms in December 2024.
Available in the original flavor, the new product will be marketed in a 25g pouch packaging under the brand of Insectyumz and will be retailed at S$4.90 (US$3.60). According to Javier Yip, Managing Director of Insect Food, the new snack is made from dried mealworms which represent a nutrient-rich superfood with an exceptional protein content, amino acids,
vitamins and other nutrients. In each packaging of the new product, there will be hundreds of mealworms to offer the consumer a good diet of high protein and other nutrition.
The new ‘Mealworms’ snack can be consumed by all age groups from children to 60-year old adults, expecially those who have strong interest in the topic of sustainability. Mr Yip said, “We are a driver of future food and sustainable edibles. Insects are not only rich in protein but they are also a more sustainable alternative to traditional meat sources.” He elaborated that insect farming also generates far fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional livestock farming. Insects also require less feed than larger animals, easing the pressure on agricultural resources. In addition, compared with outdoor traditional farming and indoor urban farming, insect farming is much more efficient in terms of requirements for land, energy and water.
In terms of nutritional content, mealworm snacks stand out compared to the traditional snack options like chips, cookies and candy. They are high in protein, fiber, and contain healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. Whereas the traditional snacks are usually low in protein and have high sugar, salt or fat contents. Indeed, many of these snacks provide empty calories with little nutritional value to the consumer, and they could contribute to the growing number of obesity, heart diseases and diabetes in the country.
However, the current major challenge faced by an insect food supplier is to break the barrier and change human perception and fear towards edible insect food.
Apart from the new product, Mr Yip added that Insect Food plans to expand its supermarket offerings to include additional items such as whole crickets, cricket biscuits, cricket powder, silkworm pupae, and locusts. It is also working diligently to introduce white grubs and honeybees into Singapore. There are also plans to export its products overseas.
