Cricket Protein Bars – Are They Worth Trying?

CricketYou may have never considered eating crickets before as a meal or snack, but now we are hearing more that these insects have a variety of nutritional benefits that we may not want to leave lying on the table.

1. Crickets are extremely nutritionally dense for their size

Ounce for ounce, crickets provide twice as much protein as beef, 5 times as much magnesium and contains all 9 essential amino acids according to Men’s Health.

2. They are better for the environment

In addition, cricket farming is environmentally responsible. Less water and space is needed to farm these insects, and less greenhouse gases are produced in the process.

3. Get more of what you want, and less of what you don’t want

Plus, consider this. Cricket flour includes the whole cricket. Not only do you get protein from muscle, but more vitamins and minerals from the animal’s organs, bones and more. There’s no waste here. Plus, you don’t have to worry about ingesting hormones or antibiotics fed to the animal, because there were none.

Have you tried foods made with crickets?

Where Can You Try Cricket Protein Bars?

Exo Cricket Bar Variety Pack
Try a small variety pack of Exo Bars for $10
. This is the cricket protein bar that was taste-tested by Tim Ferris and Kevin Rose on the Random Show (see minute 31 of the video).

Find out what flavor you like best, or if you like them at all. Better yet, share them with a friend and split the cost.

So, How Do Cricket Protein Bars Taste?

They have the consistency of many other paleo protein bars that are made with ingredients like nuts, seeds and date paste. They feel soft, chewy and crunchy at the same time.

Honestly, you will probably not know the difference between cricket flour and other protein flours like whey, egg, soy or pea.

Exo Cacao Cricket Bar IngredientsKeep in mind that cricket protein bars are not just a bunch of crickets shoved into a package. This is cricket flour.

Don’t think that you will be crunching down on a bunch of heads and legs. Now, that would be gross.

These sampler packs include one bar each of Blueberry Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon and Cacao Nut.

Don’t be surprised if you are surprised. Many people don’t expect that they will taste something good. Then, they realize that they like crickets. This may have something to do with the fact that these paleo protein bars have been created by a professional chef.

They include lots of other tasty, wholesome ingredients that you won’t be unhappy about eating – and besides having 10 grams of protein each, they also provide a nice boost of healthy energy. And no gluten, grain, soy, dairy or refined sugars by the way.

Watch these taste tests:


Ingredients of Cricket Protein Bars:

Blueberry Vanilla
Ingredients include Almonds, Apricots, Blueberries, (Blueberries, Apple Juice Concentrate), Strawberries (Strawberries, Apple Juice Concentrate) and Cricket Flour (Acheta Domesticus). Plus Honey, Ground Flaxseeds, Coconut, Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt.

Apple Cinnamon
Ingredients include Almonds, Plum Paste (Plum Juice Concentrate, Plums), Apricots, Apple Paste (Apple Juice Concentrate, Apple Puree Concentrate) an Cricket Flour. Plus Honey, Apples, Ground Flaxseeds, Coconut, Vanilla Extract, Spices and Sea Salt.

Cacao Nut
Ingredients include Almonds, Dates, Coconut, Honey and Cricket Flour. Plus Cacao Nibs, Cacao Powder, Ground Flaxseeds, Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt.

NEW! Peanut Butter & Jelly
Ingredients include Peanuts, Strawberries (Strawberries, Apple Juice), Apricots and Cricket Flour. Plus Gluten-Free Oats, Ground Flaxseeds, Puffed Brown Rice (Rice Four, Rice Bran, Raisin Juice Concentrate, Honey, Salt), Honey, Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt.

Note: If you have an allergy to crustaceans, don’t eat the cricket bars.

Rating: 5 stars

Chapul Cricket Energy BarsBut… these are not the only cricket protein bars that you can buy. Chapul Cricket Energy Bars are also available online, as sampler packs or individual flavors. They are a little more expensive – about $28 for 6 bars VS $10 for 3 bars of the Exo.

These paleo protein bars are also contain no soy, dairy or gluten and are non-GMO. Flavors include Aztec (with organic espresso roast coffee beans and cayenne), Chaco (with peanuts, cocoa, oats and honey) and Thai (with almond butter, cashews, coconut flakes, ginger and lime – mmm).
 

About the Author: Cara Rennie is a paleo cooking chef, writer and advocate for healthy living. With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, Cara has established herself as an expert in the paleo lifestyle, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients that promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. She firmly believes in the power of food to transform people's lives, while helping others discover the joys of paleo eating.