15 “Yummy” Bugs That Some Cultures Eat Every Day

Eating bugs might not fit your idea of a gourmet meal, but in many cultures outside of America, these critters are dietary staples. Ants, crickets, and yes, even tarantulas can be surprisingly tasty treats.

Considering their numerous health benefits and minimal environmental impact, perhaps it’s time for Americans to start considering incorporating insects into our diets as well.

1: Ants

Leafcutter, honeypot, lemon, and carpenter ants are favorites everywhere from China to Brazil. They’re typically boiled to remove the vinegary flavor, then seared to a crisp, creating a snack that’s high in protein, iron, and calcium but low in calories and carbs. 

2: Crickets

You’ll find cricket-based dishes in many countries, but Thailand arguably takes the crown for best cricket preparations. Thailand serves up crickets fried, mixed in curries, and even as the protein for Pad Thai. 

3: Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are high in protein and calcium. They’re also easy to catch. Though you’ll find them around the world, they’re especially popular in Mexico, where they’re sold oven-roasted or fried with wings and legs removed. 

4: Beetles

People in the Amazon Basin and parts of Africa enjoy certain types of beetles, including rhinoceros, long-horned, and June beetles. Fried or roasted, beetles provide lots of protein and other nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin A, and lutein. 

5: Termites

Termites can be roasted, fried, ground into flour, or brewed into tea. They’re so versatile they can even be filtered into a colorless oil. According to scientists, termites are higher in protein by weight than beef. 

6: Scorpions

In China and Thailand, you might run into scorpions that are sold on sticks. Skewered, fried, and seasoned, some say scorpions taste similar to soft-shelled crab. Another popular preparation involves serving them smothered in white wine sauce. 

7: Tarantulas

Cambodians enjoy fried tarantulas as a snack. The oversized spiders are marinated in salt and sugar, then fried and seasoned with garlic. When cooked, tarantulas gain a crispy outside with a gooey center. 

8: Grubs

Those in the know often gravitate towards insects in their grub stage, for they tend to be better for eating. In Africa, the Goliath Beetle larvae, which live amongst banana tree roots, is a favorite. In Australia, they prefer the Witchetty grub, which eventually turns into a moth. 

9: Cicadas

In Chinese lore, cicadas have a high status. But humans still take the cake for having higher status, for cicadas are a desirable treat in China and other cultures. People enjoy cicadas roasted, fried, and dipped in sauces. You can even eat them in caesar salads.

10: Dragonflies

You’ll sometimes find boiled dragonflies in China, but for a tastier treat, look for the battered and deep-fried versions. Dragonflies are low in fat and high in protein, making them a relatively healthy treat, even when fried. 

11: Worms

Earthworms are a delicacy in several cultures. High in copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and protein, worms are a squirming superfood just waiting to be boiled or smoked and enjoyed.  

12: Giant Water Bugs

Giant water bugs are a common treat in Southeast Asia. Their essence is a necessary component to some nam prik sauces, but you can also enjoy them deep fried and salted. 

13: Silkworm Pupas 

Eating silkworm pupae is standard in East Asia. After the pupa makes its cocoon, people heat it, which allows them to unwind the cocoon’s delicate silk strands. Once they’ve obtained the silk, they enjoy eating the pupae as a tasty snack. 

14: Caterpillars

Caterpillars are an absolute delicacy in certain areas. In Mexico, giant skipper caterpillars are sold fresh in street markets or canned in stores. Typically, people fry them before consuming them. 

15: Shore Fly Pupas 

Eating common house flies probably isn’t a good idea, but certain types of flies can make a tasty snack. Shore Fly pupae were enjoyed by Native Americans in the western United States back in the day.

An Ancient Practice

Eating insects, which is called entomophagy, is common throughout human history. Cultures around the world have found many ways to make insects taste great. 

Remains Common Today

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), some two billion people use insects to supplement their diet. Insects are a staple in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, not because of food scarcity but because of their great taste. 

High in Protein

Researchers agree that insects of all types are high in protein. Dried insects average 35%-60% protein, and fresh average 10% to 25%, making them much richer in protein than other animal sources by weight.  

Good For Survival 

Insects are often easy to find and catch, making them ideal for human survival. The U.S. military even tells armed forces members to rely on insects in survival situations. Famously, fighter pilot Scott O’Grady survived on ants when his plane crashed in Bosnia. 

Great For Health

Researchers say insects could be considered a superfood. The American Heart Association notes that edible insects are often high in fiber, B-12, zinc, and omega-3s. 

Earth-Saving

Insects have high growth rates, reproduce quickly, and have a low environmental footprint, according to the United Nations FAO. This makes insects one of the most earth-friendly proteins you can consume. 

Changing American Perception

Americans are often squeamish about trying bugs, but entrepreneurs in the insect field are hoping to change that. They hope the wide acceptance of plant-based meats will make Americans more open to other protein alternatives. 

Growing Market

A recent report by Barclays says the edible insect industry could be worth $8 billion by 2030. In 2019, it was worth $1 billion. 

The Gateway Bug

Many believe crickets will be the “gateway bug” for Americans. Cricket flour is already relatively popular with, cricket flour-based pastas and energy bars becoming more widely available. 

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