Are Protein Powder Made From Worms

Introduction

are protein powder made from worms is a question more fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders are asking as alternative proteins hit shelves. The short answer: some powders are made from insects and insect larvae (commonly called mealworms, crickets, or black soldier fly larvae), but most mainstream powders are still whey, casein, soy, pea, or rice. Knowing the differences matters because protein source affects amino acid profile, digestibility, taste, price, and environmental impact.

This article covers what insect-derived and “worm” proteins actually are, how they stack up for muscle growth, safety and allergy concerns, pricing and where to buy, and a practical 12-week plan to integrate insect protein into a strength program. If you compete or track macronutrients precisely, the actionable sections (checklists, product examples, pricing ranges, and a step-by-step timeline) will help you decide if and how to use insect-based powders in your regimen.

Are Protein Powder Made From Worms

Some commercial protein powders are made from insects that people commonly call “worms” (for example, mealworms are actually beetle larvae). The main insect-derived proteins sold for human consumption are cricket flour (ground crickets), mealworm powder (Tenebrio molitor larvae), and in limited cases ingredients derived from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), though the latter is primarily used in animal feed and pet food today. These products are not the same as earthworms; earthworm protein is rarely commercialized for human food.

How they are made: insects are farmed, fasted briefly to clear the gut, killed via freezing or blanching, dried, and ground into a flour. That flour is then defatted or micronized for use as protein powder. Typical macronutrient profiles: 55-70 grams of protein per 100 grams of dry cricket or mealworm powder, 10-20 grams of fat depending on processing, and residual chitin (a fiber-like exoskeleton protein).

A single 30-gram scoop of cricket or mealworm powder commonly delivers about 18-22 grams of protein.

Market prevalence: insect protein powders are a niche but growing segment. Brands selling cricket or mealworm powders direct to consumers include Entomo Farms (cricket powder), Eat Grub (UK), and Jimini’s (Europe). B2B ingredient suppliers like Protix, Ynsect, and Aspire Food Group sell mealworm and black soldier fly ingredients to food manufacturers.

Expect limited availability at mainstream retailers; you will find most products via specialty online stores or direct from the producer.

Practical takeaways:

• Yes, some powders are insect-derived, but most protein powders are not.
• “Worm” is a loose term; mealworms and crickets are the common sources.
• A 30 g serving typically gives 18-22 g protein, comparable to many plant proteins but slightly less than whey isolate by protein-per-serving.

How Insect-Derived Protein Compares for Muscle Building

For muscle hypertrophy you need sufficient total daily protein, an adequate dose of leucine (the trigger amino acid for muscle protein synthesis), and good digestibility. Insect proteins can be a functional option, but there are trade-offs versus whey and common plant isolates.

Protein content per 30 g serving (approximate):

• Whey protein isolate: 24-27 g protein, leucine ~2.4-3.0 g
• Pea protein isolate: 20-24 g protein, leucine ~1.6-2.4 g
• Cricket/mealworm powder: 18-22 g protein, leucine ~1.6-2.2 g

Digestibility and scoring: Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) matter. Published data suggest insect proteins have good digestibility, often comparable to plant proteins and in some cases approaching animal proteins after processing (defatting, heat treatment). Exact PDCAAS/DIAAS values vary by insect species and processing method, but many insect powders are in the functional range for supporting muscle protein synthesis when total protein and leucine needs are met.

Leucine threshold: To maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in a typical adult you need around 2.5-3.0 grams of leucine per meal.

• Using a larger serving (40-45 g) to hit leucine targets, or
• Combining insect powder with another high-leucine source (whey isolate, dairy, or a leucine supplement like free-form leucine 1-2 g).

Practical examples:

• If using 30 g cricket powder (~20 g protein, leucine ~1.8 g), add 6-10 g whey isolate or 1.5 g free-form leucine post-workout to reach the leucine sweet spot.
• For vegans choosing mealworm powder (if acceptable), combine with a plant isolate like pea or rice to improve amino acid balance.

Training implications:

• If you already hit 1.6-2.2 g/kg/day total protein (grams per kilogram bodyweight), switching some servings to insect powder will likely not impair gains.
• For aggressive hypertrophy (2.2-2.8 g/kg/day), treat insect powders like any other protein: count grams, and adjust serving size to reach leucine and total protein targets.

Bottom line: insect proteins are viable for muscle-building but are best used either in larger servings or combined with higher-leucine sources to reliably trigger maximal muscle protein synthesis.

When and How to Use Insect Protein Powders in Training Plans

Use-case patterns determine how insect protein fits into your schedule and goals. Here are practical implementation strategies with timelines and example servings tailored for strength athletes and bodybuilders.

Immediate pre/post-workout use:

• Post-workout is ideal for prioritizing high-leucine sources. If you prefer insect powder post-workout, pair a 30 g serving with 6-10 g whey isolate or 1.5-2.0 g free-form leucine to hit the leucine threshold.
• Pre-workout, insect powder provides digestible protein and some fat; choose lower-fat formulations or defatted powders if you train intensely within 60 minutes.

Daily protein distribution (example for a 90 kg lifter targeting 2.2 g/kg = 198 g/day):

• Breakfast: 35 g protein (eggs or whey) + 20 g insect powder for variety
• Lunch: 50 g protein (meat/fish/plant mix)
• Pre/post-workout: 30-40 g whey or blend (include insect powder if desired)
• Evening: 40-50 g protein (casein or slow-digesting meal)

This shows insect powder can be one piece of the total, not necessarily the sole protein source.

12-week integration timeline (practical):

• Week 1-2: Trial tolerance and taste; replace one shake per day with insect powder (30 g), track digestive response.
• Week 3-4: Adjust serving size to achieve target protein per shake (increase to 40 g if needed) and add leucine if post-workout.
• Week 5-8: Rotate insect powder between shakes (morning and post-workout) to diversify protein sources and monitor training performance.
• Week 9-12: Evaluate body composition and recovery; if gains and recovery are on track, maintain a 20-40% replacement of total protein with insect powder if desired.

Blend examples:

• Muscle-building blend (30-40 g total): 20 g cricket powder + 15 g whey isolate + 1 g creatine monohydrate.
• Vegan-forward blend: 25 g mealworm powder + 20 g pea isolate (improves leucine and methionine balance).

Practical tips:

• Measure servings by weight using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• If taste is an issue, mix insect powder into flavored smoothies with banana, cocoa, or nut butter.
• For caloric control, use defatted insect powders that deliver higher protein per gram.

Safety, Regulation, and Sourcing Considerations

Allergy risk: Insect proteins can cross-react with shellfish allergies (crustaceans) because of shared proteins like tropomyosin. If you have a known shellfish allergy, consult an allergist before trying insect protein. Producers should label allergens, but sensitivity varies person to person.

Contaminants and quality control: Key safety points include microbial load, heavy metals, and pesticide residues.

• Controlled feed inputs (no contaminated waste)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) quality systems
• Third-party lab testing for heavy metals and microbes

Regulatory landscape:

• European Union: Novel Food approvals have been granted for certain species (e.g., mealworm, Tenebrio molitor) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), enabling sale across EU markets under specified conditions.
• United States: Regulation is company-specific and evolving. Some insect ingredients are marketed as foods or supplements; companies may seek Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status or work with food authorities. Check product labels and vendor transparency.
• Other markets: Approvals vary in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. B2B suppliers like Protix and Ynsect focus on feed and some food ingredient markets while following country-specific rules.

Sourcing checklist:

• Look for clear species identification (cricket, mealworm, black soldier fly larvae).
• Check third-party testing certificates (heavy metals, microbial counts).
• Prefer producers that disclose feed inputs and farming practices (controlled, feed-grade substrates).
• Verify allergen labeling and cross-contamination controls.

Shelf life and storage:

• Most insect powders are shelf-stable for 6-18 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from light.
• Defatted protein powders have longer stability and mixability.
• Store in airtight containers; refrigeration after opening can extend quality if humidity is an issue.

Bottom line: Safety largely depends on reputable suppliers. For athletes subject to doping controls, choose products that offer batch testing and certification (e.g., Informed-Sport) to reduce contamination risk.

Tools and Resources

Where to buy (companies and typical pricing ranges; prices vary by region and packaging):

• Entomo Farms (cricket powder) - direct-to-consumer cricket flour and protein. Price range: approximately $40-90 per kilogram depending on packaging and country.
• Aspire Food Group (cricket ingredients, B2B and consumer products) - pricing varies; expect premium ingredient costs relative to plant proteins.
• Protix (mealworms, black soldier fly larvae - primarily B2B) - contact sales for pricing; B2B bulk pricing typically lower per kg but minimums apply.
• Ynsect (mealworm ingredients, B2B) - premium food-ingredient supplier; suitable for food manufacturers.
• Eat Grub (UK) and Jimini’s (EU) - insect-based snacks and some flours; retail pricing typically $10-30 per 100-200 g packs.

Comparator pricing (approximate, retail/kg):

• Whey concentrate: $7-20 per kg
• Whey isolate: $15-40 per kg
• Pea protein isolate: $8-25 per kg
• Insect protein powder (cricket/mealworm): $20-90 per kg

Buying platforms:

• Company websites (Entomo Farms, Aspire) for full product information and certifications.
• Amazon and specialty health-food retailers (availability varies).
• B2B ingredient suppliers require minimum order quantities and often sell to food brands and formulators.

Testing and certification services:

• Eurofins and SGS offer heavy metal and microbial testing (pricing varies; expect $100-500 per test panel).
• Informed-Sport and NSF Certified for Sport provide supplement contamination screening (fees apply to manufacturers; look for certified products if tested).

Practical tool checklist before purchase:

• Confirm species and processing method (defatted vs full-fat).
• Ask for a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing protein %, heavy metals, microbiology.
• Check allergen statements and cross-contact controls.
• Compare price per gram of protein, not price per kg only.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming insect protein is identical to whey: Insect powders typically have lower leucine per scoop than whey isolate. Avoid underdosing post-workout; add leucine or combine proteins.
• Ignoring allergen risk: If you have shellfish allergies, do not assume insect protein is safe without testing or medical advice.
• Buying the cheapest insect powder: Low-cost suppliers may skip thorough testing; choose producers that provide CoAs (Certificates of Analysis).
• Overlooking taste and mixability: Some insect powders are earthy or nutty and clump. Test a small package before committing to bulk buys; consider defatted powders or flavored blends.
• Using insect protein as the sole protein source without tracking totals: Count grams and amino acids. Replace part of your daily protein with insects but ensure total intake and leucine targets are met.

How to avoid these pitfalls:

• Start with a small trial serving and track recovery and digestion for two weeks.
• Prioritize products with transparent lab testing and clear labeling.
• Use a kitchen scale and nutrition tracker to ensure you hit target grams and leucine.

FAQ

Are Insect or Mealworm Proteins Safe for Athletes?

Yes, when sourced from reputable suppliers with proper testing, insect proteins are generally safe. Athletes with shellfish allergies should consult an allergist before use.

Will Using Insect Protein Hinder Muscle Growth Compared to Whey?

Not necessarily; total daily protein, training stimulus, and leucine per meal drive gains. You may need larger servings or a leucine add-on to match whey isolate leucine levels.

Do Insect Proteins Test Positive for Banned Substances?

Insect protein itself is not a banned substance, but contamination risk exists. Athletes subject to anti-doping should choose products with third-party testing (e.g., Informed-Sport).

How Much Insect Protein Should I Take Post-Workout?

Aim for a post-workout protein dose delivering 20-40 g protein and about 2.5-3.0 g leucine. For typical insect powders, this may be 35-45 g powder or a 30 g scoop plus 1.5 g free-form leucine.

Are Insect Proteins More Sustainable than Beef or Whey?

Generally yes: insect farming often uses less land, water, and emits fewer greenhouse gases per kg protein than beef. Environmental profiles versus whey depend on production practices, but insects are usually a lower-impact alternative to traditional livestock.

Where Can I Buy Reliable Insect Protein Powder?

Buy from established producers with transparent lab testing, such as Entomo Farms (cricket), or purchase from companies that provide Certificates of Analysis. Avoid anonymous sellers without quality documentation.

Next Steps

• Step 1: Pick a reputable product and buy a small trial pack (100-200 g). Look for suppliers that provide a Certificate of Analysis and clear allergen labeling.
• Step 2: Track a 2-week test period. Replace one protein shake per day with insect powder and record digestion, taste acceptance, recovery, and training performance.
• Step 3: Adjust serving size for leucine and total protein. If post-workout, combine insect powder with whey isolate or add 1.5-2 g free-form leucine to hit the leucine threshold.
• Step 4: Re-evaluate at 12 weeks. Assess body composition, strength progress, and personal preference. Maintain insect protein as 20-40% of total protein intake only if results and tolerance are satisfactory.

Checklist before each purchase:

• Is the species clearly listed (cricket, mealworm, BSFL)?
• Is a Certificate of Analysis available?
• Is allergen and cross-contact information provided?
• What is the price per gram of protein?
• Does the product have any third-party certification relevant to athletes?

Treat insect protein like any other supplement: measure, track, and adjust based on data and goals.

Further Reading

• How to Increase Muscle Protein Synthesis for Muscle Growth
• Where Buy Protein Powder Guide
• How Long Protein Powder Last and Best Storage Tips
• Are Protein Powder Bad for You - Truth for Muscle Builders