In January 2023, two other insects were approved as new foods. Insect products are considered an alternative protein source to meat or fish. They may be added to bread, pasta, or chips, but not without the appropriate labelling.
In Germany, insects are offered in a wide variety of forms: as a snack, as a whole, such as fried seasoned Migratory locusts, in chocolate or honey, ground as insect flour, as well as protein bars and powder for athletes.
Four insects have been approved as food in the European Union so far:
- June 2021: The Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor), dried in the larval stage.
- November 2021: the Migratory locust (Locusta Migratoria), frozen, dried, and powder-shaped.
- February 2022/ January 2023: the House cricket (Acheta domesticus), frozen, dried, powder-shaped/ partially degreased powder.
- January 2023: The Grain mould beetle (Alphitobius Diaperinus), frozen, paste-like, dried, powdered.
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