# Insect Snack Balls Essento's Bio Insect Balls are Made with Mealworms, Onions, Chickpeas & Bulgur By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-10-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-balls References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/media/photos/4084-innovations-from-anuga/) & [neuheiten.koelnmesse.net](http://neuheiten.koelnmesse.net/250/2019/us/products/view/product_id:41850/cat:45504) Essento's Bio Insect Balls are [meat-like sources of protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelp-meatballs) that are made with a base of organic Swiss mealworms, plus other essential base ingredients like bulgur, chickpeas and onions. The balls are available in three different all-natural varieties, including spinach, turmeric and beetroot, each of which offers a unique flavor experience. The nutrient-dense, [insect-based snack balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaiko) are recommended to be served with yogurt sauce and parsley on a pita, offering a unique twist on the traditional Mediterranean pita. While insects are commonly eaten around the world in different cultures, and have been for many centuries, they are now coming to the forefront as an [alternative source of protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solein-protein-bites) that's just as versatile as meat but also more sustainable. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Insect-based Foods:** The increasing popularity of insect-based snacks offers opportunities for innovative food businesses looking to offer more sustainable and alternative protein sources. - **Plant-based Protein:** The use of plant-based ingredients in insect-based snacks provides disruptive innovation opportunities for food companies interested in developing nutritious and sustainable snacks. - **Alternative Protein Sources:** Entrepreneurs can explore alternative protein sources, such as mealworms, to develop innovative and healthy snacks that are both good for consumers and the environment. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Companies in the food and beverage industry can benefit from integrating insect and plant-based protein sources into their product lines, offering consumers more sustainable and nutritious options. - **Agriculture:** Insect farming could provide opportunities for farmers to diversify their crops and explore new markets, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional livestock farming. - **Animal Feed:** The use of insect-based protein sources could provide opportunities for companies specializing in animal feed to offer more sustainable options that reduce the environmental impact of conventional feed sources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Cricket Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-jerky.md) - [Superfood Mealworm Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superfood-shaker.md) - [Insect-Based Dog Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snappies.md) - [Insect Protein Dog Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-protein-dog-treats.md) - [Protein-Packed Cricket Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-protein-bar.md) - [Insect-Based Wet Dog Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wet-dog-food.md) - [Insect-Based Inflight Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zipair.md) - [Plant-Based Mushroom Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-balls.md)