Production, Nutrient Composition, and Bioactive Components of Crickets (Gryllidae) for Human Nutrition

Abstract

The use of insects as alternative protein food is gaining popularity, as insects are able to convert the ingested organic matter from plants into high-quality animal protein. There are several farming activities that have almost perfected cricket production and are produced at larger scales, others are still producing small quantities in cages, basins, and buckets at the household levels, enough to feed the families and the surrounding communities. Cricket protein has not shown any sign of antinutrients commonly observed with plant products. Crickets need to be fed on balanced diet for optimum growth. A balanced cricket diet should contain protein, lipids and carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals.