Are insects the future of protein in functional foods?

Published: 14-Jan-2025

US functional food ingredient startup All Things Bugs has debuted its Griopro® insect powder range, which can be incorporated into a plethora of food and beverage products to sustainably enhance their protein content

All Things Bugs, a startup created by lifelong entomologist and food security researcher Dr Aaron T. Dossey, is seeking investors to scale its insect protein production operations. 

Dr Dossey believes that insect-based proteins are the best way to ensure global food security, while also supporting sustainable food practices. 

Therefore, Aaron has spend more than 10 years looking into how to unlock the potential of insects as a nutrient-dense, accessible and efficient source of protein.

Through this process, All Things Bugs has developed production cost-lowering patented spray drying technologies, which may help to produce these proteins on a large scale.

He has also conducted a range of studies on the nutritional benefits of insect-based foods, finding that insects may be the key to unlocking sustainable animal protein accessibility.

 

Moving away from traditional agricultural practices

In the modern world, it has become clear that mass meat farming comes with significant drawbacks, including deforestation, significant increases in greenhouse emissions and ethical questions. 

Therefore, the food industry has begun to explore different ways of getting protein onto people's plates, and certain food scientists like Aaron believe that insects are the way forward: "Using insects as a protein source isn't just a fringe idea — its a game-changer for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, diversify their supply chains and offer healthy food options."

According to Dr Dossey, the insect-based food market is already valued in the billions of dollars, and the interest will only continue to grow as consumers move away from high-impact protein sources such as beef.


Considering sustainability 

One of the most significant advantages of insect-based foods is their environmental sustainability, notes Aaron: "Insects require far fewer resources — land, water and feed — than traditional livestock, and their farming takes place in highly controlled indoor environments.

By rearing insects in this way, they can be farmed in highly populated urban areas, which reduces the need for the long distance transportation of meat products to consumers in cities.

The risk of contamination and zoonotic diseases is also reduced, meaning that the supply chain can remain resilient.

Dr Dossey’s patented spray-drying technology has been a key innovation in making insect protein accessible for mass production. By using less heat and energy than traditional methods, the spray-drying process preserves essential nutrients and extends shelf life, making insect-based ingredients more consistent and affordable. 
 

The Griopro range

To provide the food industry with a versatile insect powder, All Things Bugs has developed the Griopro range, which includes two insect powders made from farm-raised mealworms and crickets.

The products have been designed to bolster the nutritional value of a food product, as they contain "all the essential amino acids", while being "rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids". They are also high in iron, which is easily digestible. 

All Things Bugs has already producted a range of market-ready prototype formulation food products, including extruded puffed cereals, snacks, pastas, tortillas and meat alternatives.

By commercialising these products with external investment, All Things Bugs hopes to address global food security issues and worldwide malnutrition.

“Insects are inevitable as a major food commodity for humanity. They will play a key role in addressing food security on Earth, and now is the time to present this form of accessible protein to the mainstream."

“With more investment and production capacity, the cost of insect protein will drop, and it will become accessible to major food manufacturers and consumers alike,” Dr. Dossey stated

   

As Dr. Dossey continues his work, he invites investors, businesses and industry leaders to join him in thisnmission. With his expertise and passion for sustainability, Dr. Dossey is actively seeking new opportunities and partnerships to help scale insect-based proteins into the future of food.
 

 

You may also like