Nothing like creepy crawly critters to get you in the Halloween spirit, right? And I’m not talkin’ tri-colored gummy worms or chocolate spiders. Let’s skip the candy this year and take the healthy route with cricket powder! Yes sir-ee, sneak dehydrated, ground up crickets not just into your Halloween trick or treats, but any meal! Sprinkled on popcorn, mixed into oatmeal, served on roasted vegetables, the list goes on (and on).
This product is way more remarkable than it looks. It’s packed with more nutrients than spinach, has just as much protein as an egg, AND (if commercialized) will make the world a better place. It’s true when they say insects are the food of the future. Farm-raised bugs require significantly less feeding and water than cows, creating less methane gas emissions. If you’re a vegan/vegetarian for environmental or sustainable reasons, crickets may be the key to your happiness. (Click here to read how they’re humanely killed).
A third of the world eats edible insects…THAT’S A LOT! So they MUST be good. And I know, bugs aren’t as appealing to the eye as say…chocolate chip cookies. That’s why it’s a perfect compromise in powder form. You’ll receive its nutritional benefits, sustainable properties, and nutty flavor all without ever seeing the actual cricket. Plus, if the end of world does come our way, you’ll be waaaaay ahead of the game.
But for now, think of cricket powder as a fun Halloween add-on to any meal this month.
Chirp, chirp!
T <3
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BASICS
AKA: Cricket Flour • Cricket Protein Powder • Cricket Meal
Origin: Portland, Oregon
About: Cricket Flour LLC is a sustainable, all-natural, not to mention unique, alternative to flour. Add just a small amount to virtually any meal for added protein, nutrients, and flavor. Ideal for anyone on a low-carb, gluten-free diet (I’m talkin’ to you Keto and Paleo peeps). But if you’re looking to experiment with bugs in general it’s a great starting point.
History & Culture: Eating bugs, known as entomophagy, has been around since the dawn of man. From the ancient Romans to Algerians, larvae, cicadas, and locusts were yummy treats. Today, 80% of the globe use insects as a food source with beetles, ants, and crickets being the most popular.
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HEALTH
Nutrients: Antioxidants • B12 • Iron • Protein • Omega-3s • Omega-6s • poly & saturated fats
Benefits: Keeps you full and satiated • Supports skin health • Improves gut heath • Reduces inflammation
Ingredients: Crickets
Substitutes: all-purpose or gluten-free flours like coconut, quinoa, or teff flour
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SHOP
Where to Buy: health food or specialty stores
Where to Buy Online: Amazon • Bud’s Cricket Powder • Chirps • Cricket Flour • EXO
Other Products: Cricket Salt • Cricket Brownie Mix • All-Purpose Baking Flour
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PREPARE
How to Use: In baking, cricket powder can replace up to 30% of normal baking flour. A 2 : 1 ratio of flour to cricket powder will work with most baked goods. Cricket powder also acts similar to baking powder, so reduce leavening agents by half.
In cooking, you can add a few scoops to any meal for added protein and nutrients.
How to Store: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Once opened, make sure it’s slightly sealed or transfer to an airtight container.
Make Your Own: You can buy dehydrated crickets and grind them in a food processor or blender. If you’re more hard-core, you can go as far as raising your own crickets for consumption.
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EAT
What it Tastes Like: mild • nutty • malty
Suggested Uses: smoothies • hot beverages • baked goods • soups & stews • salad dressings • dips • roasted vegetables • eggs • rice • pizza • pasta
Recipes:
Cricket Pear Smoothie (via Cricket Flours)
Cricket Omelette (via Cricket Flours)
Cricket French Toast (via Cricket Flours)
Cricket Jambalaya (via EXO Protein)
Cricket Chipotle Chili (via EXO Protein)
~*~ Halloween Recipes ~*~
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chirp Cookies
Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats (via Cricket Flours)
Fossil Cookies (via Cricket Flours)
Cricket Nachos (via Cricket Flours)
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~*~ MORE ~*~
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CAUTIONARY NOTE
Crickets are arthropods like shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. They may cause allergic reactions for those with a crustacean shellfish allergy.
What do you know about Cricket Flour?
I have actually been eating cricket protein bars for my training and I love them~ what a simple and sustainable idea. Also, pointing out: I have been vegeterian for over a year now and I do consume crickets as part of bugs that take so little to grow and sustain.
That’s awesome, Alenka! I’ve seen cricket products geared toward strength training before–it’s an incredible natural source of protein. And I’m glad to hear that vegetarians like you are open to eating insects, especially since they’re such a healthy food source for the planet <3 Keep spreading the word out!