7 chapters across the catalog
Dutch Bug Burgers, Insect Larvae and Sustainability
A marketing campaign in the Netherlands promotes "farmerless meat" burgers made from ground insect larvae and mealworms. The founders of Buxberger claim insects are a climate-friendly protein source requiring minimal water and space compared to cattle. The burgers are currently being served in select restaurants in Belgium and the Netherlands for 12 to 17 euros.
The Netherlands is promoting "farmerless meat" through products like the Buxberger, which consists of 50% ground insect larvae. While manufacturers claim mealworms are a sustainable, high-protein alternative to cattle, the high cost of 12 to 17 euros per burger remains a barrier to widespread adoption in Europe.
Researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea have developed "beef rice" by growing animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains. This hybrid food is marketed as a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to traditional cattle farming. The discussion touches on the role of chemical companies like Royal DSM in creating the taste and texture of synthetic proteins.
Cricket Protein for Dogs, Carbon Paw Print
A company called Jiminy's is marketing cricket-based protein for dogs to reduce their "carbon paw print." The advertisement claims that the 36 billion pounds of traditional animal protein consumed by US dogs is unsustainable and that insect protein is a more humane alternative.
A recent episode of The Great British Baking Show featured a contestant using cricket powder and smoked whole crickets in a "trick or treat" truffle recipe. Judges on the show praised the "peppery" flavor of the insects and discussed their potential as a sustainable future food source. The hosts debate the actual taste of crickets, with one noting that certain ants are known to be spicy.
The show concluded with a "Dogs are People 2" segment featuring Jiminy's, a company producing dog food from cricket protein. The marketing emphasizes reducing a pet's "carbon paw print" by switching from traditional beef or chicken to more sustainable insect-based proteins. The hosts awarded this segment the "Clip of the Day" for its focus on the "Great Reset" themes in the pet industry.
A humorous aside explores a theory inspired by David Icke regarding "lizard people" pushing the consumption of insects. An advertisement for "Big Cricket Farms" on a job site is presented as evidence that the elite are promoting alternative protein sources to create a larger food selection for themselves. The hosts joke that the "lizard people" want a sustainable source of bugs to eat.
