# Insect Snack Packs Giant Toasted Leafcutter Ants are a Bizarrely Healthy Treat By Michael Hines | Published 2011-01-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giant-toasted-leafcutter-ants References: [walyou](http://walyou.com/snack-ants/) & [thinkgeek](http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/wacky-edibles/e1bc/?cpg=cj&ref=&CJURL=) I never would have guessed that Giant Toasted Leafcutter Ants were available in snack pack form until I saw it myself. ThinkGeek is selling this [insect snack pack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legendary-variety-pack) that is said to be [high in protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highprotein-snacks) and low in saturated fat. These Giant Toasted Leafcutter Ants are a delicacy in Colombia. Each ant measures almost an inch long and is described as tasting "unique." I'm willing to try anything that is healthy at least once even (if it did formerly crawl around on the forest floor). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Edible Insects:** The trend of incorporating insects as a sustainable and nutritious food source presents opportunities for alternative protein sources in the snack industry. - **Healthy Snacks:** The growing demand for healthier snack options creates opportunities for innovative products like insect snack packs that are high in protein and low in saturated fat. - **Exotic Flavors:** The trend of exploring unique and unusual flavors in food opens up possibilities for introducing snack options like Giant Toasted Leafcutter Ants with their distinct taste. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of edible insects and develop specialized snack packs to cater to health-conscious consumers. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** Incorporating insects as a food source can drive innovation in sustainable agriculture by utilizing insects' natural abilities to convert organic waste into edible protein. - **Alternative Protein:** The alternative protein industry can explore insects as a viable and sustainable protein source, offering a variety of insect-based products like snack packs to consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Edible Insect Lollipops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pest-infested-pops.md) - [Protein-Packed Cricket Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-protein-bar.md) - [Cricket Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-jerky.md) - [Insect-Infused Dog Food Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-meal-toppers.md) - [Bug-Shaped Fruit Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bees-bugs-and-butterflies.md) - [Critter-Packed Canine Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canine-treats.md) - [Insect-Based Dog Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snappies.md) - [Silk Protein Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eri-rocket.md) - [Insect-Based Dog Food Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neo-bites.md)