During the last five years the scientific knowledge on insects as food and feed has been growing exponentially. At the same time, the industrial sector is increasingly engaged in rearing, processin...

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Insects as food and feed, a new emerging agricultural sector: a review

Over the past decade, the potential of edible insects as a novel ingredient in high value-added products has been investigated to find alternatives to conventional protein sources that are expensive, over-exploited and harmful to the environment. This review assesses the state of insects as an alternative protein source from production to consumption. More specifically, this review details the conventional procedures related to the production of insect flours as well as insect-derived ingredients such as protein concentrates and isolates. As a source of alternative protein in food ingredient formulations, the available data on the functionalities of edible insect ingredients is also examined and compared to conventional animal- and plant-based protein sources. Finally, the major challenges facing entomophagy in the mainstream food industry are explored. This review highlights the fact that insect proteins can serve as functional ingredients in food preparation. However, additional comparative studies are required to assess the functionality of various insect proteins compared to conventional proteins, regardless of processing method. To be incorporated into large scale industries, more research is needed to optimize processing methods to obtain the best compromise between cost-effectiveness, functionality, tastiness and sustainability, while ensuring consumer safety.

The use of edible insect proteins in food: Challenges and issues related to their functional properties

https://repositorium.sdum.uminho.pt/bitstream/1822/61285/1/document_51940_1.pdf

Emergent food proteins - Towards sustainability, health and innovation.

Background Edible insects are considered a new alternative sustainable source of proteins that exhibits higher feed-conversion efficiency and has a less negative environmental impact, compared to conventional animal-derived protein sources. Highly nutritional edible insects may help solve issues of global malnutrition and food insecurity, while byproducts have the potential for practical application in the food industry, agriculture, and medicine. Despite these numerous benefits, negative attitudes toward insects as food exist in societies where it is not part of their culture to consume insects, raising barriers to the wider introduction of edible insects in the diet on a regular basis. Scope and approach In this review, we discuss the sensory characteristics, such as flavor and texture, of edible insect and insect-based foods, their contribution to consumers’ attitudes toward edible insects, and approaches to alter the quality of sensory attributes—from insect farming and processing to novel product formulation and taste education. Key findings and conclusions Sensory and visual characteristics of edible insects, and availability of information on their origin and safety, are important factors in consumer appeal and their willingness to try eating insects in the future. Flavor and texture of edible insects depend largely on the insect species, its development stage, and the way it is processed. Recent findings on insect production, processing, and formulation of insect-based foods, as well as ways to increase familiarity with edible insects, demonstrate the potential to enhance the acceptability of insects as a novel food.

Sensory attributes of edible insects and insect-based foods – Future outlooks for enhancing consumer appeal

Current knowledge on the microbiota of edible insects intended for human consumption: A state-of-the-art review

In the present study, inclusion of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) powder into bread doughs at 5 and 10% substitution level of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour was tested to produce protein fortified breads. The addition of mealworm powder (MP) did not negatively affect the technological features of either doughs or breads. All the tested doughs showed the same leavening ability, whereas breads containing 5% MP showed the highest specific volume and the lowest firmness. An enrichment in protein content was observed in experimental breads where the highest values for this parameter were recorded in breads containing 10% MP. Breads fortified with 10% MP also exhibited a significant increase in the content of free amino acids, and especially in the following essential amino acids: tyrosine, methionine, isoleucine, and leucine. By contrast, no differences in nutritional quality of lipids were seen between fortified and control breads. Results of sensory analyses revealed that protein fortification of bread with MP significantly affected bread texture and overall liking, as well as crust colour, depending on the substitution level. Overall, proof of concept was provided for the inclusion of MP into bread doughs started with different leavening agents (sourdough and/or baker’s yeast), at 5 or 10% substitution level of soft wheat flour. Based on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, the proposed bread making technology can be situated at level 4 (validation in laboratory environment), thus suggesting that the production of breads with MP might easily be scaled up at industrial level. However, potential spoilage and safety issues that need to be further considered were highlighted.

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Anse Van Buitenen

Papers

Protein fortification with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) powder: Effect on textural, microbiological, nutritional and sensory features of bread.