This is a place to describe what bug protein in US food is called and
other information like products that contain bugs.
2 Bug protein names
In the United States, insect-based proteins are increasingly
appearing in specialty snacks, protein powders, and pet foods. While the
FDA requires all ingredients to be listed by their common or usual
names, these can sometimes be unfamiliar to consumers.
Acheta Powder / Acheta Protein: This is the
scientific genus for the House Cricket (Acheta
domesticus). It is often used in protein bars and chips. mrsdavidsgardenseeds.com
Cricket Flour / Cricket Powder: Ground-up crickets
used as a gluten-free flour substitute or protein booster. wikipedia.org
Mealworm Powder: Derived from the larvae of the
Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). futuremarketinsights.com
Buffalo Worms: These are actually the larvae of the
Lesser Mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus),
frequently found in high-protein pasta and baking mixes. insectscan.com
Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Protein: Primarily used in
pet food and aquaculture, but becoming more common in experimental human
food products. globalgrowthinsights.com
Migratory Locust. Locusta migratoria.
2.1 Non-Protein Bug Additives
While not for protein, these insect-derived ingredients have been
standard in the US for decades:
Carmine / Cochineal Extract: A red food dye made
from crushed Cochineal beetles, commonly found in
candies, yogurts, and juices. insectscan.com
Shellac (Confectioner's Glaze): A resin secreted by
the Lac bug, used to give a shiny coating to candies
like jelly beans. insectscan.com
3 Food that has bug protein
Several US brands specialize in products featuring insect-based
proteins, primarily crickets and mealworms. These are often marketed as
sustainable or hypoallergenic alternatives to traditional meat.
3.1 Human Food Brands &
Products
EXO Protein: Produces Acheta Protein
Bars in flavors like Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Chocolate
Chip, and Cookie Dough, as well as pure cricket powder. exoprotein.com
Chirps Chips: Offers Cricket Flour
Chips (Cheddar, BBQ, and Sea Salt) and Cricket Cookie
Mix made with cricket powder. eatchirps.com
Entomo Farms: Sells Whole Roasted
Crickets and mealworms in various seasonings, along with
cricket-based baking flours. dirt-to-dinner.com
Chapul: Known for Cricket Protein
Powders and bars using cricket flour as a core ingredient. sphericalinsights.com
Crik Nutrition: Specializes in Cricket
Protein Shakes designed for post-workout recovery. mrsdavidsgardenseeds.com
3.2 Pet Food Brands
(Insect-Based)
Jiminy’s: A major US brand for Cravin'
Cricket and Good Grub (Black Soldier Fly
larvae) kibble, plus various training treats and dental chews. jiminys.com
Chippin: Sells Cricket-based dog
treats and food toppers marketed as being gentle on sensitive
stomachs. mrsdavidsgardenseeds.com
4 Helpful websites
Insectscan.com Scan the barcode
of the food to see if it contains bugs. It's free. This seems to be EU
based.