In Thailand, eating crispy crickets or spicy silkworms isn’t a quirky novelty—it’s a tradition, especially in the northeast, where most people are farmers. Locals can easily harvest them from the fields, making them an accessible and inexpensive food source. But what may surprise many is that Thailand’s edible insect industry is now taking a leading role on the global stage.
As of 2024, the global edible insect market is valued at US$1.35 billion, gaining traction in Europe, the Americas, and East Asia. Insects are increasingly being used in protein powders, snack bars, and even animal feed. Thailand currently accounts for 6% of global insect export value (around US$586,000), with the United States as its top destination market. (Source: Business Research Insights)
With over 200 edible insect species and 20,000 insect farms, Thailand has emerged as a global pioneer in edible insect farming—a fast-growing sector that addresses both economic and environmental challenges. Ranked as the world’s 6th largest exporter, the country not only preserves the culinary tradition but also contributes to national food security and sustainability.
A Tradition with Modern Relevance
Insects have been part of Thai diets for generations, especially in Isaan, the northeastern region where most people are farmers. Locals have long appreciated what the world is only beginning to realise: insects are highly nutritious, and incredibly efficient to produce. Whether it’s crunchy grasshoppers, buttery silkworm pupae, or nutty bamboo worms, edible insects have long held a place in Thai food culture.
Today, they’re also found in protein bars, baking flours, and health supplements—driven by a growing global interest in sustainability and clean eating.
Nutritional and Environmental Benefits
In a world struggling with food insecurity, climate change, and shrinking natural resources, edible insects offer a sustainable, high-yield protein solution.
- Nutrient-dense: Insects are packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and B12.
- Eco-efficient: Compared to livestock, insect farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed while emitting far less greenhouse gases.
- Waste reduction: Many Thai insect farms feed their bugs using food waste or agricultural byproducts, helping reduce local waste and pollution.
This makes insect farming a key player in creating a circular, less polluting food system. Thailand is also one of the first countries to officially regulate and promote insect farming as a sustainable sector—cementing its role as a global innovator in food sustainability.
Tiny Bugs, Big Nutrition
Don’t be fooled by their size—edible insects are nutritional powerhouses. They’re
- High in protein
- Rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12
- A good source of healthy fats, including omega-3 and -6
- High in fibre, thanks to their shells
They’re also suitable for gluten-free, paleo, and keto diets. However, if you have a shellfish allergy, it’s best to proceed with caution, as insects contain similar proteins.
Thailand at the Forefront of Insect Innovation
Thailand isn’t just eating insects—it’s exporting, researching, and scaling them. Over the last decade, cricket farms have boomed—especially in the northeast—thanks to support from government agencies and research institutions.
Innovative Thai startups are now creating everything from cricket protein bars to powders and chips, appealing to health-conscious consumers at home and abroad. These products are reaching shelves in Europe, North America, and East Asia—reshaping how the world thinks about alternative protein.
Could Eating Bugs Help Feed the World?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farming edible insects is one of the most promising strategies to meet future food demand. The FAO highlights Thailand as one of the few countries with a thriving, regulated insect farming sector. Its detailed reports cover everything from collection and processing to marketing and global trade—underscoring Thailand’s role as a model for the world.
With the global population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the need for sustainable protein sources is urgent. Insects offer a scalable, eco-friendly alternative—and Thailand’s approach could inspire many other nations.
How to Try Edible Insects in Thailand
Feeling adventurous? Here’s how to taste Thailand’s edible insects:
- Street markets: Head to Bangkok’s Chatuchak, Khlong Toei, Khao San Road or Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar. Vendors often sell fried grasshoppers, bamboo worms, and silkworm pupae seasoned with salt and chili.
- Restaurants and cafés: A growing number of modern eateries now offer insect-based dishes in their menus.
- Packaged products: Find cricket protein bars, baking flours, and cookies at health food stores or online.
Even in Thailand, many still find eating insects unappealing. To counter this, producers have started grinding insects into powder, making it easy to blend into familiar foods like bread, noodles, and cocoa drinks.
If you’re new to edible insects, start with a seasoned and fried option—they’re crunchy and flavourful. Or go for protein bars and powders if you’d prefer something less visually confronting.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Crunchy
Thailand’s edible insect industry is more than a culinary curiosity—it’s a powerful example of sustainable innovation. By blending traditional knowledge with modern science, the country is transforming crickets, silkworms, and other bugs into nutrient-rich, planet-friendly foods of the future.
Would you give edible insects a try on your next visit to Thailand?
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