Lidl shoppers were shocked after the budget-friendly supermarket has started selling "insect burgers".
The frozen patties have divided opinions following their introduction onto store shelves in Ireland. The My Street Food Soya and Insect Patties are made from "textured soy flour and ground dried mealworm larva".
The products are around 230 calories per serving and low in saturated fat and sugar. Lidl has reassured customers that the product has "undergone extensive quality testing” and “is safe to eat”.
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In a statement to RSVPLive, a spokesperson said: "At Lidl we have a number of food themes that are introduced in store for a limited time such as our My Street Food Soya and Insect Patties, that allow our shoppers to experience different foods from around the world as well as shopping our core range of Irish produce.
“As with all Lidl products, this product has undergone extensive quality testing and measures to ensure it is both safe to eat but also meets our quality standards for our customers to enjoy.”
Humans are no strangers to eating insects as many critters are an important part of indigenous diets and cuisines around the world. While traditional sources of protein like vegetables, meats, and dairy are not going anywhere, the environmental impact of sourcing food is being more deeply examined and some people may choose to go for low-impact options.
Insect-based foods like mealworm flour, can be used as a flour substitute to make things like pasta, protein bars, cereal and snacks like crisps and cookies. Insects are one of the most sustainable animal protein sources that are safe for human consumption, according to a number of studies and academic articles.
Shoppers have taken to social media to voice their opinions on the products with one person asking on Reddit Ireland: “What do ye think? I heard eating insects for protein being touted as the next big sustainable thing. But honestly, not sure I could even bring myself to try these. Is there a demand for them in Ireland? Have you tried them?”
While some people said “It grosses me out” another who claimed to have tried them gave their review: “Saw them the other day and had to try one. I’d eaten fried insects before in SE Asia which were grand. Like very crunchy popcorn. These were a bit more viscous. No real taste off them bar a vague ‘earthiness’. Though that was probably the soya and veg in them. I slapped one in a burger bun with some cheddar and bits and was fine. Could probably do with more seasoning or something to make it a bit tastier.”
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