2024-11-03 04:30:00
The development of a beetle larvae snack wins an award in Patagonia. It’s an innovation from a company led by a biologist that aims to open the door to human consumption of insects in Argentina.
The snack emerged from a conference call between the Center for Industrial Research and Assistance (CIATI) and BeBord Foods, headquartered in Villa Regina, Rio Negro.
The product, called “Dehydrated, Toasted and Flavored Zophobas,” won first place in the Future Foods award, which selects the best proposals for food innovation and technological development in Argentina and its neighboring countries.
“The development of this snack originated from a conference in Brazil where we saw several initiatives for human consumption of insects,” he explains Diary of Rio Negro biologist Daniel CaporalettiFounder of Grillos Capos. The company focuses on the production of controlled insects for animal consumption and already has a 200-square-meter pilot plant near Boedo, Buenos Aires.
The product is made based on larvae Morioa species of Beetleidae Pseudomonas. It can be eaten alone or with a salad or in any other recipe. It is roasted, salted, seasoned and marinated in lemon syrup.
Argentinian company Grillos Capos won an award for its beetle larvae snack in the “Future Food” competition organized by CIATI and Bebord Foods.
The 13 Fronteras restaurant in the city of Buenos Aires was included in the prestigious Michelin Guide in 2023, having been developed in collaboration with its chefs.
“Although we started with a gourmet proposal, based on the recipes they gave us, we positioned it as a mass-market snack product,” Caporaletti added. Larvae weigh up to 100 grams.
Flavor and Nutrition
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recommends eating insects because of their “important nutritional value” and classifies them as a “food of the future.” Invertebrates, depending on their type, can provide high levels of energy, fat, protein, fiber and micronutrients such as zinc, calcium and iron.
In this sense, “Zophobas” demonstrates excellent nutritional qualities based on certified research. In fact, it is estimated that each sample is composed of 44% protein.
Its taste was approved by 90% of testers. It has been described as “original” and can be compared to eating 3D (Pepsi’s signature snack) and peanuts, according to eaters.
In Patagonia, they promote the creation of a national and international network to connect scientists and food entrepreneurs
In particular, olive oil has a greasy aftertaste due to the oleic and linoleic acids contained in it. “They are good fats, have no effect on cholesterol, and have been linked to the prevention of cardiovascular disease,” said the former Conicet researcher.
In a taste test, 30% of people were willing to try it without resistance, while 70% had a “distrust” attitude. Despite the visual bias, the study was approved by nine out of 10 subjects.
Sales are not yet available in Argentina
Commercial production of the snack is not yet possible in the country, as it still lacks authorization from Senasa to start regulating insects for human consumption in the Argentinian Codex Alimentarius.
However, Resolution 1039/2024 issued in September allows the use of these invertebrates as raw materials for animal feed. This is considered a big step, but not enough for countries with already highly developed markets such as Brazil, Chile or Mexico.
“No progress will be made on the regulatory front until Senasa is released. The entry of new food products should be more active, as new options appear every year. For example, new algae, fungi and flours,” Caporaletti believes.
Although nationwide distribution is unlikely, some Brazilian experts are already discussing replicating the product. In addition, Mexican investors are also interested in introducing “Zophobas” to the Aztec market.
Meanwhile, Grillos Capos are dedicated to small-scale farming dark one (mealworm), Morio (beetle larvae), Similar to Grirus (crickets) and Blattales (cockroach). Although they are a species that can be ingested by humans, they are currently produced exclusively for feeding to exotic pets.
How winners are selected
The product made from beetle larvae was selected from a total of 71 proposals received by CIATI from almost all countries, including Chile, Paraguay and Peru.
The Future Food Awards recognize food that is “rich, innovative, easy to prepare, environmentally friendly and sustainable”. Additionally, it serves as a network of contacts for entrepreneurs on a national and global scale.
The product has a taste similar to peanuts or “3D” snacks and has an excellent nutritional profile, with a protein content of 44%.
This is the technical center’s first initiative in partnership with the international company BeBord Foods, with the aim of establishing its own network of scientists and experts.
“Our food innovation network at Ciati, called Alimenta R&D, aims to build a base of researchers and experts outside the normal fields of science and technology,” comments Juan Martin Oteiza, researcher at Conicet and Conicet. Diary of Rio Negro.
The goal is to be able to meet the needs of the private sector, which is willing to explore new ideas for its products. “When the institute receives a request for a development project, we use this database to know who to contact. We then present the possibilities to those selected and invite them to propose ideas to us,” explains Orteza. The operation of the network, the steps of the network are still in their early stages.
Insect industry based on Rio Negro pears and apples
Grillos Coupos, on the other hand Northern Patagonia has made progress in unique areas of work based on circular economy concepts. It involves producing insects for animal consumption, from degrading bagasse from apples and pears into flour for the growing farming industry.
After receiving the Future Food Award, the team led by Daniel Caporalletti has begun conversations with Rionegro government officials and members of the private sector to develop the program in the Alto Valley.
“We have established links with the Rio Negro juice industry, which produces a surplus product with high nutritional value. There are different proposals to bioprocess it and convert it into proteins in insect cultures. Specifically, we will use the black soldier fly – an insect belonging to the order Diptera -” commented the biologist. The aim is to use fruit growing waste to generate new local products related to fish farming.
Other regions in the country have similar industrial models. For example, there is a Procens plant in the town of Barcas, Buenos Aires, which converts industrial waste from the multinational McCain Foods into high-quality protein and fertilizer. In the case of Rosario, Mosquita Feed converts beer cane bagasse into raw materials for the production of balanced animal feed.
The Grillos Capos project aims to raise funds through a mix of public and private capital to build a 1,900 square meter factory. It is estimated that up to 28 kilograms of product can be produced per square meter per month.
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Grillos Capos is aiming to innovate in the food sector by producing insect-based snacks and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Northern Patagonia. While currently there are regulatory hurdles preventing the commercial sale of these insect snacks in Argentina, steps are being taken toward establishing a viable market.
A recent study highlights the nutritional potential of insects like crickets and mealworms, both of which are considered sustainable sources of protein. Despite consumer skepticism—where 70% exhibited initial distrust in trying insect-based foods—the acceptance rate improved during taste tests, suggesting that consumer education and exposure could foster a greater willingness to adopt these products.
The recent resolution from Senasa, which allows the use of insects as animal feed but not yet for human consumption, is a significant development, even though it may fall short compared to more advanced markets in Brazil and Mexico. Experts already see the potential for replication of successful products in other markets, showing an interest from Brazilian and Mexican investors in exploring insect-based food options.
Grillos Capos is dedicated to small-scale farming of insects like mealworms and crickets, focusing on sustainable practices that utilize agricultural by-products like apple and pear bagasse. Their innovation was recognized with the Future Food Awards, which underscores the growing interest in sustainable food sources that address environmental and health concerns.
To facilitate further development in this field, a food innovation network called Alimenta R&D is being established, connecting researchers and entrepreneurs to foster collaboration and streamline the development of new projects based on sustainable practices. The influence of such networks highlights the critical role of collaboration between scientists and food entrepreneurs in driving forward this nascent industry.
