11 Gross Bugs That Are Good to Eat

Get ready to challenge your taste buds with some unconventional treats! In this article, we explore a downright creepy yet surprisingly delicious world of bugs that are good to eat. That’s right, bugs! These 11 gross creatures may make you squirm at first, but don’t be fooled by their appearance. They are actually good to eat and have been enjoyed as culinary delights in various cultures for centuries. So buckle up and get ready to discover the extraordinary flavors that these tiny critters bring to the table!

Disclaimer: It is not recommended to gather bugs from the wild to eat, as there may be potential risks. It is best to purchase them from a regulated provider and make sure to clean and cook them properly. Learn more about which insects can be harmful HERE.

Crickets

Crickets are good to eat due to their high nutritional value, which makes them a great addition to any diet. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, crickets contain more protein than beef, making them an ideal source of plant-based protein.

Crickets are widely eaten around the world, from Latin America to Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In the United States, crickets are gaining popularity as a crunchy and nutritious snack food.

To serve crickets, there are many options. They can be added to salads, tacos, stir-fries, or other dishes as a crunchy topping. They can also be roasted or fried and eaten as a snack. For a sweet treat, crickets can be dipped in chocolate and served as a dessert.

No matter how they are served, crickets are a delicious and nutritious snack or meal addition that everyone should try. With their high nutritional value, crickets are sure to become a staple in many diets around the world.

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are bugs that are good to eat. They are an increasingly popular source of nutrition due to their high protein content and low environmental impact. They are a nutritious snack that can be eaten all over the world.

Grasshoppers are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are important for a healthy diet. They are also low in saturated fats, making them a healthy snack.

Grasshoppers are commonly eaten in many countries, especially in Asia, Mexico, and Africa. In Africa, they are often cooked and eaten as a snack. In Asia, they are eaten both raw and cooked, and they are sometimes used in traditional medicines.

Grasshoppers can be served in a variety of ways. They can be fried, boiled, or grilled. They can also be served as a side dish, mixed into salads, or added to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutrition. For a crunchy snack, grasshoppers can be served with a dip or as a topping on salads.

Termites

You wouldn’t think of a termite as being a bug that is good to eat. But termites are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. They are packed with nutrients and have a unique flavor that makes them a favorite among many cultures.

Termites are loaded with proteins and minerals, making them a great source of nutrition. They are also high in fat and carbohydrates, making them an ideal snack for people with dietary restrictions. Additionally, termites have several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamin B6.

In Africa, termites are often smoked and served as a snack. People in Southeast Asia eat them raw, fried, or sun-dried. In some parts of the world, they are even used as an ingredient in traditional dishes.

Ants

Ants may be small, but they can make a big impression as a tasty and nutritious meal. From their unique flavor to their impressive nutritional value, ants should be added to your menu.

Ants are a great source of protein, with some species containing up to 60% protein by dry weight. They are also a good source of healthy fats and minerals such as iron and calcium.

Ants are commonly eaten in many cultures around the world. In South America, ants are roasted and served as a snack. People in Asia use ants to make sauces and delicious condiments. In Africa, ants are eaten as a delicacy.

Ants can be served in a variety of ways. One popular way is to roast them and season them with herbs and spices. They can also be cooked with vegetables or added to a soup or stew. Ants can be eaten either hot or cold.

Bees

Bee larvae are a great source of nutrition and can be a tasty, sustainable addition to any meal. Known as a delicacy in many parts of the world, bee larvae boast a number of nutritional benefits. Not only are they low in fat and calories, but they are also a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Bee larvae are a very good bug to eat in Thailand. In Africa, bee larvae are dried and ground into a powder and used to make a porridge-like dish. People in Asia use bee larvae in stir-fries with spices and vegetables. In the Americas, bee larvae are often eaten raw or boiled.

When cooking bee larvae, it’s important to remember that they cook quickly. Boiling is the best way to ensure that they retain their flavor and nutritional value. For added flavor, season the larvae with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. To add texture, combine them with potatoes or rice.

Beetles

Beetles, and especially H. parallela, are good to eat for a variety of reasons. They are a nutritious food source, commonly eaten in various parts of the world, and can be served in different ways.

Beetles are rich in protein, fats, and minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium. They also contain important vitamins, like B12, that are essential for a healthy diet. This makes them a great alternative to traditional proteins like chicken, beef, or pork. They are also low in calories and cholesterol, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Beetles are commonly eaten in many parts of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and South America. In some places, they are even considered a delicacy. They can be fried, boiled, or roasted and served as a crunchy snack or added to salads and other dishes.

Mealworms

Mealworms are an increasingly popular source of protein and other essential nutrients. They are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making them an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Mealworms are commonly eaten around the world, especially in areas of Asia and Africa. In some countries, they are even a popular street food. The larvae of beetles and mealworms are a sustainable and cost-effective food source.

Serving mealworms is easy and can be tailored to individual tastes. They are often boiled, roasted, or fried. Mealworms can also be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and stir-fries. They can also be added to baked goods like cakes and cookies. Human beings can consume mealworms raw, but they are usually dry-roasted or ground into flour which can be used to make baked goods.

Flies

Eating some flies can be a great way to get nutrition and flavor into your diet. Flies are packed with protein, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. They also have a rich, savory taste that makes them a great addition to any meal.

In many parts of the world, people have been eating flies for centuries. For example, people in Asia consider them a very good buy to eat. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including soups, salads, and stir-fries. In East Africa, they are often enjoyed in muffins and crackers. In the Americas, they can be found in tacos and other traditional dishes.

Flies are also a great source of sustainable protein. Because they reproduce quickly and live in a variety of environments, they require minimal resources to raise and harvest. This makes them an ideal food source for people who are trying to reduce their environmental impact.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are a surprisingly nutritious and delicious food that can be found in various parts of the world. Eating caterpillars offers many benefits due to their high protein and essential fatty acid content. They also have a unique flavor that makes them a great addition to any meal.

Caterpillars are a great source of protein, containing up to 55% of essential amino acids, making them a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. They are also high in essential fatty acids, including omega-3, which helps promote healthy skin and hair. Additionally, caterpillars are low in calories and contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet.

Caterpillars have a unique flavor that can range from sweet to savory. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups. Some people even enjoy eating them raw or grilled.

In Africa, caterpillars are often served as a snack or side dish. People in Asia use them in various dishes, such as stir-fries. In South America, people serve them grilled and served with vegetables and rice.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are a great source of nutrition and can be a delicious, versatile addition to many meals. Not only are stink bugs high in protein, they are also full of essential vitamins and minerals. They are especially popular in parts of China, India, and Southeast Asia, where they are frequently used in dishes like stir-fries and curries.

For those looking for a unique flavor, stink bugs provide an interesting, nutty taste. Some varieties taste like sour apples, and others taste like cinnamon. When cooked, their smell is quite mild, and they take on a crunchy texture. Using stink bugs in a dish is a great way to add flavor, texture, and nutrition to a meal.

Stink bugs are also a great source of essential amino acids. They contain notable amounts of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are important for maintaining muscle health. Research also shows that stink bugs are full of antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and keep the immune system strong.

In addition to their nutritional value, stink bugs are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In Africa, people soak them, then sun dry them before eating.

Giant Water Bug

Giant water bugs, relatives of the water boatman or backswimmer, are a special treat in Thailand, where they can only be found in June. Not only are they tasty, but they are also packed with nutrition. Eating them whole or ground up into a paste and added to chili paste is a delicacy known as jaew maeng da in Laos and nam phik in Thailand.

Giant water bugs offer a range of health benefits, with their high content of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They are also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help to lower cholesterol levels. In addition, they are a great source of energy and can help boost metabolism.

In terms of taste, giant water bugs have a sweet and nutty flavor. When eaten whole, they have a crunchy texture that is similar to shrimp. When ground up and added to chili paste, their flavor is more subtle and blends in well with the other ingredients.

Giant water bugs are used in various parts of the world in a variety of different dishes. In Thailand, they are commonly used in salads, while in Laos, they are often served with noodles. In the Philippines, they are usually fried and served with a dipping sauce.

A Cautionary Note:

It is not recommended to gather bugs from the wild to eat as there may be potential risks. It is best to purchase them from a regulated provider and make sure to clean and cook them properly. For instance, stink bugs must be soaked in warm water first to release their toxins. Hot water will kill them and prevent them from releasing their toxins.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Linsey McNeill/Shutterstock.com