Podcast Summary: Stuff You Should Know – "Are Crickets the Future of Food?"

Episode Information

• Title: Are Crickets the Future of Food?
• Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Release Date: March 1, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the intriguing topic of entomophagy—the practice of eating insects—with a particular focus on crickets as a sustainable future food source. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes, expert insights, and a deep dive into the environmental and economic implications of adopting crickets into the human diet.

2. The Need for Sustainable Protein Sources

Chuck Bryant [05:00]:
"Do you want to know about crickets and how you can sustain yourself on them? Well, then, listen to this episode."

The hosts begin by addressing the alarming increase in global meat consumption, noting that per capita meat intake in the developed world has doubled over the past 30 years. This surge is primarily driven by the economic growth of BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), where rising incomes correlate with higher meat consumption.

Josh Clark [06:27]:
"To produce one pound of beef, it requires about 2,400 gallons of water."

They highlight the unsustainable resources required for traditional livestock farming, including vast water usage and significant greenhouse gas emissions—accounting for 51% of global emissions from animal agriculture. Additionally, 56 million acres of U.S. cropland are dedicated to growing animal feed compared to just 4 million acres for human consumption, showcasing the inefficiency of meat-based diets.

3. The Rise of Cricket Farming

Chuck Bryant [11:10]:
"Kevin Bach Huber is championing the movement of commercial cricket farming in the United States."

Kevin Bach Huber, a pioneer in the U.S. cricket farming industry, is introduced as a key figure advocating for edible insects. After experiencing cricket consumption in Thailand, Bach Huber returned to the U.S. to establish one of the first FDA-approved commercial cricket farms. His efforts are part of a broader movement aiming to transition crickets from animal feed to human consumption.

4. Environmental Benefits of Crickets

Josh Clark [21:43]:
"Crickets are about 12 times more efficient at converting feed into usable protein than cows."

Crickets offer a highly efficient alternative to traditional livestock. For every kilogram of live cricket weight produced, only 1.7 kilograms of feed are required, compared to 10 kilograms needed for beef production. Moreover, crickets are 80% edible and digestible, significantly reducing waste compared to cows, where only 40% is usable.

Chuck Bryant [22:52]:
"Crickets are cold-blooded, which makes them more efficient at converting food into protein."

The hosts emphasize that crickets' cold-blooded nature enhances their ability to convert feed into protein more effectively, making them an environmentally friendly option for sustainable protein.

5. Challenges in Cricket Farming

Josh Clark [33:00]:
"The most expensive aspect of cricket farming is the labor force, due to the trial and error involved."

Despite their environmental advantages, cricket farming faces several challenges. The high cost of production is primarily attributed to labor-intensive processes and the nascent state of the industry in the U.S. Additionally, regulatory hurdles, such as restrictions on feeding crickets food waste, limit the potential for scaling operations and reducing costs.

Chuck Bryant [24:02]:
"The dream is to see cricket snacks in grocery stores and menu offerings at hipster restaurants."

Market acceptance remains a significant barrier. While startups like Chirps have made appearances on platforms like Shark Tank, widespread consumer adoption is still in the early stages, with products currently being expensive and less accessible.

6. Market Acceptance and Culinary Uses

Josh Clark [25:02]:
"I would totally try fried crickets and things. That doesn't gross me out for some reason."

The discussion shifts to consumer perceptions and culinary applications of crickets. While some hosts express openness to trying cricket-based products, others share personal hesitations rooted in cultural norms. Recipes and preparation methods, such as frying with butter, salt, and onions, are discussed to make crickets more palatable to the Western palate.

Chuck Bryant [24:55]:
"Chirps, their cricket-based snack product, made it onto Shark Tank and secured a deal with Mark Cuban."

Products like Chirps, which offer cricket-based snacks, are highlighted as pioneering efforts to introduce crickets into mainstream markets. These products aim to blend traditional snack flavors with sustainable protein sources.

7. Regulatory Hurdles

Josh Clark [42:47]:
"The FDA now restricts the types of feed that can be used for crickets, complicating the use of food waste as feed."

Regulatory constraints present another hurdle for the cricket farming industry. The FDA's strict guidelines on cricket feed limit the ability to use food waste, a potential method for reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability through composting.

8. Future Prospects

Chuck Bryant [44:24]:
"Eating crickets might not become global staples overnight, but gradual integration into snacks and certain cuisines is possible."

Looking ahead, the hosts remain cautiously optimistic about the future of cricket consumption. The potential for home cricket farming kits and increased consumer education could pave the way for broader acceptance. However, achieving cost-effectiveness and overcoming cultural aversions remain critical for widespread adoption.

Josh Clark [43:46]:
"With 100 grams of crickets providing 12.9 grams of protein, crickets are a nutrient-dense option."

Crickets' nutritional profile, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, underscores their viability as a sustainable food source. The hosts encourage listeners to explore cricket-based products and consider their environmental benefits.

Notable Quotes

• Chuck Bryant [05:00]:
  "Do you want to know about crickets and how you can sustain yourself on them? Well, then, listen to this episode."

• Josh Clark [06:27]:
  "To produce one pound of beef, it requires about 2,400 gallons of water."

• Josh Clark [21:43]:
  "Crickets are about 12 times more efficient at converting feed into usable protein than cows."

• Josh Clark [33:00]:
  "The most expensive aspect of cricket farming is the labor force, due to the trial and error involved."

• Chuck Bryant [44:24]:
  "Eating crickets might not become global staples overnight, but gradual integration into snacks and certain cuisines is possible."

Conclusion

The Stuff You Should Know episode "Are Crickets the Future of Food?" offers a comprehensive exploration of entomophagy, emphasizing crickets as a sustainable and efficient protein source. While crickets present numerous environmental and economic advantages over traditional livestock, challenges such as market acceptance, regulatory limitations, and production costs must be addressed. The hosts provide a balanced view, highlighting both the potential and the obstacles in integrating crickets into the Western diet. As the conversation progresses, it becomes evident that while crickets may not replace beef or chicken overnight, they hold significant promise as part of a diversified and sustainable food system.

For more information and to stay updated on future discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit StuffYouShouldKnow.com.