Some Lidl shoppers have found themselves doing a double take after spotting ‘insect burgers’ for sale in certain supermarkets across Ireland.
The discount retail chain has launched new burgers made from “textured soya flour and ground dried mealworm larva” as part of its My Street Food range.
They are simply labelled as “Insect Burgers” in store and come in a pack of two for €2.99.
READ MORE: Irish Lidl shoppers flummoxed as they spot major change in supermarket
The frozen patties are around 230 calories per serving and are low in saturated fat and sugar.
While eating bugs would usually only be seen on the likes of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Lidl has assured that the product "has undergone extensive quality testing” and “is safe to eat”.
A spokesperson told RSVP Live: "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.”
Edible insects have long been an important part of indigenous diets and cuisines around the world.
While traditional protein sources 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.
This is where insect-based foods come in, such as mealworm flour - a flour made from dehydrated mealworms which are then crushed into a fine dust that resembles maize or gram flour and can be used as an addition or in place of regular four - that can be used 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.
They are just one of many ways scientists are exploring to find new ways to get us the sustenance we will need to support future populations. Other ideas include lab-grown meat and investing in different crops that utilise less resources.
Despite this, some shoppers have been raising their eyebrows after spotting the ‘insect burgers’ for sale in Lidl.
Social media is abuzz with people commenting about them, 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 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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