Beginner's Guide to Edible Insects | Food Use and Breeding of Crickets and Mealworms
From basic knowledge of edible insects to breeding, processing, and cooking food-grade crickets and mealworms. This guide covers the safety, regulations, and how to get started with edible insects as a sustainable protein source with low environmental impact.
Key Takeaways
From basic knowledge of edible insects to breeding, processing, and cooking food-grade crickets and mealworms. This guide covers the safety, regulations, and how to get started with edible insects as a sustainable protein source with low environmental impact.
What Is Edible Insect Food—Why It's Getting Attention Now
Edible insect food refers to the use of insects as food ingredients. Since the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its report on "The Potential of Insects as Food and Feed" in 2013, edible insects have gained worldwide attention as a sustainable protein source.
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Compared to conventional livestock farming, edible insects have the following advantages:
Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Cricket production generates approximately 1/100th the CO₂ emissions of beef cattle
Higher feed conversion efficiency: Feed required for 1 kg of weight gain is approximately 1/10th that of cattle
Lower water consumption: Some estimates suggest approximately 1/1000th the water needed for beef production
Smaller breeding space required: Stackable tray-based farming is highly space-efficient
In Japan too, edible insect startups are increasing, with cricket powder snacks and insect-based ramen products now available in stores.
Main Edible Insects Eaten in Japan
Two-Spotted Crickets and European House Crickets
These are the most widely used edible insects. Protein content is 60–70% of dry weight with good essential amino acid balance. They have a nutty flavor and are well-suited for frying or powder processing.
Mealworms are the larvae of Tenebrio molitor and have been traditionally consumed as food in Europe. Their popularity has surged since the EU approved them as food in 2021.
They are rich in protein and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) and have a creamy flavor. They can be used for deep-frying, stir-fries, pasta toppings, and more.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae efficiently process food waste while accumulating high-quality protein and fat, making them versatile for use as feeder insects, fertilizer, and food. They are currently primarily used as feed for captive animals, but human food products are under development.
Locusts (Migratory Locust and Small Brown Locust)
In Japan, locusts have long been eaten as "inago tsukudani" (locust tsukudani) in prefectures like Nagano and Gunma as a traditional food. They are valued from a circular economy perspective since they are agricultural pests. Local collection and cooking practices continue to this day.
Getting Started with Edible Insect Breeding
Cricket Breeding
Required Environment
- Plastic container (60L or larger recommended)
- Temperature: 28–32°C (30°C is optimal during breeding season)
- Shelter: Cardboard or egg carton trays
- Feed: Vegetable scraps, pellet feed, grains
Breeding Process
1. Set up containers with moistened vermiculite or akadama soil for egg-laying
2. Hatching takes 10–14 days from egg-laying (at 30°C)
3. They reach edible size (2–3g) within 6–8 weeks after hatching
4. Perform "purging" (fasting for 48–72 hours before harvest to clean the digestive tract)
Important Notes: Crickets escape easily and are noisy, so soundproofing and escape prevention are crucial. Choose containers with secure, tight-fitting lids.
Mealworm Breeding
Mealworm breeding is quieter and less odorous than cricket breeding, making it beginner-friendly.
Basic Setup
- Shallow plastic storage box
- Bedding: Wheat bran or oatmeal (also serves as feed)
- Temperature: 25–28°C (growth slows below 25°C)
- Hydration: Carrot or apple slices
The larval form (mealworm) is used for food. Pupae are edible but have a different texture.
Safety, Allergies, and Regulations
Allergy Risk
Insects are related to crustaceans (shrimp and crab) and share a common component called chitin. People with shrimp or crab allergies may react to edible insects, so it is recommended to try small amounts when first consuming them.
Additionally, people with house dust allergies (dust mite allergies) may develop cricket allergies.
Japan's Regulations
As of 2026, there are no laws in Japan that prohibit edible insects themselves. Properly processed edible insects are legal to sell and consume within the scope of the Food Sanitation Law.
However, attention should be paid to the following:
- Collecting and selling wild insects may be subject to regional restrictions
- Importing and breeding non-native species requires compliance with the Plant Protection Law and the Law Concerning the Prevention of Damage Caused by Wildlife
- Proper processing and labeling are required under the Food Sanitation Law when selling as food
Basic Hygiene Management
The key points for safely using edible insects are as follows:
Use reputable suppliers or self-bred insects: Wild collection carries risks of pesticide and heavy metal contamination
Heat thoroughly: Raw consumption poses parasite risks. Heat to 75°C or higher for at least 1 minute as a guideline
Perform purging (fasting): Fast for 48–72 hours before harvest to empty the digestive tract
Freeze storage: After heating, freeze at -18°C or below for long-term storage
Cooking and Use Ideas
Frying: Simply fried insects become a nutty-flavored snack. Whole fried crickets sprinkled with salt are easy to enjoy.
Powder Processing: Dry and process into powder using a food processor, then mix into cookies, protein bars, and smoothies. Cricket powder contains approximately 60–70g of protein per 100g.
Stir-fries and Pasta: Mealworms can be used as a protein source in stir-fries. Simply stir-fry with garlic, butter, and soy sauce for a delicious dish.
Tsukudani (Traditional Method): Locusts are cooked in a traditional Japanese style with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to make a sweet and savory tsukudani that continues to be practiced today.
Summary
Edible insects are gaining worldwide attention as a sustainable protein source with low environmental impact. In Japan, commercial products are increasing and home breeding for consumption is expanding.
Crickets and mealworms are easy to breed and can be started with minimal space and cost. Those with allergies should check beforehand, and proper hygiene management is essential. Insect pet breeding and edible insect breeding share much common knowledge, allowing you to apply existing insect breeding skills.
As environmental awareness grows, edible insects will become part of future food culture. We recommend starting by trying commercial edible insect products.
