Complete list of insects in food
More and more insects are being used as ingredients in food products sold in Europe. Some consumers wish to avoid them for cultural, ethical, religious or allergic reasons.On Insect Scan, we help you quickly identify the presence of insects in your food with our free app available on
Google Play and
App Store.
Insects authorized in food in Europe
Here is the official and complete list of insects authorized by the European Union for human consumption, along with their scientific names and the forms in which they may appear in your food.| Common name | Scientific name | Possible form in products | EU status |
|---|---|---|---|
| House cricket | Acheta domesticus | Frozen, dried, powder, partially defatted powder | Authorized |
| Migratory locust | Locusta migratoria | Frozen, dried, powder | Authorized |
| Yellow mealworm | Tenebrio molitor | Dried, frozen, powder, UV-treated powder | Authorized |
| Giant mealworm | Zophobas morio | — | Not authorized |
| Buffalow worm | Alphitobius diaperinus | Frozen, paste, dried, powder | Authorized |
Tip: the mention “powder” or “flour” often indicates that the insect has been processed to be incorporated into products such as biscuits, pasta or protein bars.
Other insect-derived ingredients
Some ingredients are not insect flour as such, but are obtained from insects or their secretions:- Carmine / Cochineal (E120): red dye from crushed cochineals
- Shellac (E904): resin produced by an insect (Asian cochineal)
- Honey: produced by bees (may concern certain allergies)
How to spot insects on labels?
Insects may appear under their scientific name in the ingredient list, making them difficult for the average consumer to detect.Example:
- Acheta domesticus → House cricket
- Tenebrio molitor → Mealworm
To avoid confusion, you can use Insect Scan to scan your products and instantly know whether they contain one or more of these ingredients.
Why avoid or consume insects?
Arguments in favor:- Sustainable protein source
- Low ecological footprint
- Cross-allergies with shellfish and mites
- Religious, ethical or cultural choices
- Psychological repulsion
Conclusion
The list of insects in food is growing over the years with the authorization of new species. Whether you are an informed consumer or simply trying to avoid certain ingredients, knowing the common and scientific names is essential.With Insect Scan, you can scan any product for free to instantly know whether it contains one or more of these insects.