The consumption of eating mealworms and other edible insects has been gaining popularity in various countries, driven by factors such as sustainability, nutritional value, and a growing interest in alternative protein sources. Keep in mind that trends may have evolved since then, but as of that time, here is a list of countries where eating mealworms is either common or gaining popularity:
- Netherlands:
- The Netherlands has been a leader in the edible insect movement in Europe, with various insect-based products, including those with mealworms, gaining acceptance.
- Belgium:
- Similar to the Netherlands, Belgium has seen an increase in the popularity of edible insects, and mealworms are commonly used in various food products.
- Thailand:
- Insects, including mealworms, have been part of traditional Thai cuisine, and there is a growing interest in promoting them as a sustainable and nutritious food source.
- China:
- China has a long history of insect consumption, and modern efforts to incorporate insects, including mealworms, into the diet have gained traction.
- United States:
- In the U.S., there has been a growing interest in edible insects, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking alternative protein sources. Several companies have introduced products containing mealworms.
- Canada:
- Canada has witnessed an increased interest in edible insects, and mealworms, in particular, have been used in the development of various food items.
- Australia:
- Australia has seen a rise in the popularity of edible insects, with mealworms being incorporated into innovative food products.
- South Africa:
- In South Africa, there has been exploration and interest in using insects, including mealworms, as a sustainable food source.
- Germany:
- In Europe, Germany has shown growing acceptance of insect consumption, and mealworms are used in the production of snacks and protein-rich foods.
- United Kingdom:
- The United Kingdom has seen a rise in the popularity of edible insects, and mealworms are increasingly being used in food products and snacks.
- South Korea:
- In, 2014, the South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety gave green signal to use the edible insect like mealworms in the country after completion of various verified manufacturing processes like cleansing, sterilization and freeze-drying. Mealworms are already being used as a part of food for pets, fish and reptiles etc. Due to the high protein and omega-3, mealworms may be used in powdered form as an ingredient in biscuits, bread and noodles and many other foods items.
It’s important to note that the acceptance of mealworms as food varies across cultures and regions within each country. Additionally, the landscape of edible insect consumption is dynamic, and many new developments have been made in last 10 to 15 Years.
