# Bug-Based Meatball Snacks Micarna's 'Pop-Bugs' is a Party-Ready Tray of Insect Snacks By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-10-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-snacks References: [foodbusinessnews.net](http://www.foodbusinessnews.net/Resources/Slideshow/2017/10/Trendspotting-at-Anuga-2017/1.aspx?TipID=0) & [micarna.ch](http://www.micarna.ch/en/innovative-strength/anuga) Many consumers are now looking to enrich their diets with alternative sources of protein and are looking to [plant-based options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosh-veg-bites) or [insect snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bees-bugs-and-butterflies) as suitable substitutes to meat, especially for on-the-go eating. At this year's Anuga, the world's largest food trade fair, Micarna introduced 'Pop-Bugs,' which are "meatballs made with insect flour." Beyond being notable for their unique formula, Pop-Bugs are packaged in a unique cardboard box that elevates the eating experience. The packaging for the insect snack product is designed to showcase the [bite-sized balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-protein-ball-co-ballsy-by-nature) and make them easy to pair with the included dips. A number of forward-thinking brands are now experimenting with the many ways that insects may be worked into food products, as they offer a much more sustainable source of protein than animal products can provide. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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 - **Alternative Protein Sources:** The trend of seeking alternative sources of protein, such as insect snacks, is becoming more popular among consumers, presenting opportunities for innovative food products. - **Plant-based Options:** The growing demand for plant-based alternatives to meat is driving innovation in the industry, leading to disruptive opportunities for new products like insect flour meatballs. - **Sustainable Protein:** Brands exploring the use of insects as a sustainable protein source are capitalizing on the demand for environmentally-friendly food options, creating innovative products like 'Pop-Bugs'. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food:** Food industry professionals can tap into the demand for alternative protein sources by developing new products, like insect-based snacks, to cater to health-conscious consumers. - **Packaging:** The unique cardboard packaging design of 'Pop-Bugs' presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the packaging industry, focusing on enhancing the eating experience and convenience of snack products. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** The use of insects as a sustainable protein source opens up opportunities for the agricultural industry to explore new farming techniques and processes that support insect farming and production. ## 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) - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Cricket Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-jerky.md) - [Insect-Based Dog Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snappies.md) - [Snackable Pork Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meateors.md) - [Insect-Based Inflight Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zipair.md) - [Edible 3D-Printed Insects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-edible-insects.md) - [Insect Protein Dog Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-protein-dog-treats.md)