Nutritional Qualities of Black Soldier Fly Larvae

As the global population continues to grow towards a predicted 9.5 billion by 2050, a critical shortage of animal proteins is increasingly likely. Understanding the need to address growing concerns, non-traditional protein sources such as edible insects, have been recognised as playing an important role in future food security. Edible insects are a safe, reliable, and sustainable source of protein. Over two billion people in more than 100 countries regularly consume insects with the market is forecast to grow to $290 billion by 2035.
Since 2014, the FAO has been promoting edible insects as alternative and sustainable food sources for human and animal consumption. Phase II of the project is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing 7 out of the 17 goals. The low environmental impact, capital requirements and low production costs make edible insects an ideal complement to meet future demand for food and feed.
Relatedly, food waste is a significant global issue. The Australian government estimates food waste costs the economy around $20 billion per annum. The edible insect industry is well positioned to become part of the solution through conversion of food waste into valuable products, such as high-quality proteins and healthy fatty acids, whilst simultaneously reducing the environmental impacts.
With an excellent reputation as a producer of high-quality food and feed ingredients, Australia has a great opportunity to become a major player in the global edible insect market. Despite this potential, the Australian edible insect industry is still in its infancy. Investment in targeted industry-led research, including postharvest processing and development of value-add technologies, is essential for the industry is to realise its potential economic, social, and environmental benefits.