# Cricket-Based Pastas Bugeater Foods' Protein Pasta is Enriched with Ground Crickets By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-pasta References: [omaha](http://www.omaha.com/money/lincoln-startup-developing-cricket-based-foods-works-to-overcome-the/article_e8a8fe31-32fa-58d9-901a-3576241f7e08.html) & [bugeaterfoods](https://www.bugeaterfoods.com/) Bugeater Foods is a start-up that is currently developing a protein pasta that includes the addition of crickets that are finely ground into a powder. While eating insects is a common practice in many parts of the world, it has been a challenge to introduce edible insects to the western world, particularly because people perceive the idea as "gross." However, by integrating ground crickets into the noodles of pasta, the brand hopes to showcase how insects can be a sustainable source of protein, as well as a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Bugeater received funding from The [U.S. Department of Agriculture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act) in order to help it find new ways to incorporate insects into safe, healthful and tasty foods. Bugeater is now testing a rice-shaped pasta, ramen and macaroni noodles. Bugeater Foods also makes a cricket-based protein shake that is already on the market, which is fittingly called 'Jump.' ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Insect-based Foods:** There's a market for insects and they are a sustainable source of protein. - **Alternative Proteins:** Alternative proteins may be an effective way to disrupt the protein industry and offer healthier alternatives. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** Sustainable agriculture is becoming a necessity and innovating in this area can establish a competitive advantage in the food industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food:** This trend has particular relevance to the food industry, especially for pasta, noodles, and shakes. - **Agriculture:** The agriculture industry can benefit from exploring new ways to mass-produce edible insects and new sustainable food sources. - **Health and Wellness:** Insect-based foods offer health benefits and can help the health and wellness industry to develop new nutrition products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Protein-Packed Cricket Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-protein-bar.md) - [Insect-Based Inflight Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zipair.md) - [Cricket Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-jerky.md) - [Edible 3D-Printed Insects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-edible-insects.md) - [Insect-Based Wet Dog Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wet-dog-food.md) - [Algae-Powered Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algae-infused-pasta.md) - [Athlete-Targeted Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happieats-sports-pasta.md) - [Protein-Forward Pasta Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-pastas.md) - [Guilt-Free Protein Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/equii-protein-pasta.md)