Can you eat insect candy?
Quick Answer
Yes
Insect candy is safe to eat as long as it has been prepared and processed properly. The insects used in these candies are typically farmed for human consumption and are cooked and dehydrated before being incorporated into the candy.
What Is It?
Insect candy refers to candy that contains insects as part of its ingredients. The insects are usually dehydrated and can be whole or ground into a powder. They are often used in novelty candies, such as lollipops with insects inside, or chocolate-covered insects.
Historical Context
Eating insects, or entomophagy, has been a part of many cultures around the world for centuries. Insect candy is a more recent development, often marketed as a novelty or a sustainable alternative to traditional candy ingredients.
Why It Can Be Risky
While insect candy is generally safe to eat, there are a few potential risks to be aware of.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to insects, and eating insect candy could trigger an allergic reaction.
- Quality control: As with any food product, there can be issues with quality control. Always buy from a reputable source to ensure the insects have been properly prepared and processed.
Safe Method?
Insect candy should be eaten as any other candy. It is not recommended to eat the insects raw or without proper preparation.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re not keen on the idea of eating insects, there are many other types of candy available that don’t contain insects. Alternatively, you could try other types of edible insects that are not in candy form, such as roasted crickets or mealworms.