Dr. Nednapis Vatanasuchart (M.Sc. Nutrition, Ph.D. Food Science, from Kasetsart University, Bangkok) evaluated the nutrition contents of our Cricket Pasta, in particular compared to other traditional pastas. Her complete report follows below: 

 

 

Nutritional Benefits of Bugsolutely Cricket Pasta

Bugsolutely Cricket Pasta contains good nutritional qualities. One serving size of 55 g dry pasta provides energy of 210 kcal, 3 g fat, 35 g carbohydrate, 12 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 80 mg sodium, 5 g sugar and 0.62 mcg vitamin B12, as shown in table.

 

This cricket fusilli is especially high in protein, containing 12 g, which is 24% of DRV (Daily Reference Values), thus this product can be claimed ‘high or rich in protein’ according to the nutrient content claims established by the USFDA. In addition, when compared to similar products sold in the supermarket, this fusilli has about double the amount of protein, as shown in table. Functionally, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it for maintaining good health. Protein is an essential component of every cell in the body. Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues, and hair and nails are even made mostly of protein. You use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals and protein is, of course, an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood.

 

It is a nutritious source of dietary fiber. Foods containing fiber provide health benefits such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease as well as the ability to prevent or relieve constipation. This fusilli contains 3 g of dietary fiber which is 12% of DRV, which can be claimed as ‘good source’ of dietary fiber.

 

The Cricket Pasta is also a food source that contains vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to make a healthy nervous system, red blood cells and digestive system. It is responsible for energy production and also protects against high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cancer. It is essential for cell reproduction and constant renewal of healthy skin, hair and nails. Commonly, Vitamin B12 is rare from plant sources, and pastas made from wheat without egg contains no vitamin B12. The highest amount of vitamin B12 that we managed to find in Pasta, was fresh-refrigerated, containing egg, plain, as purchased which has 0.31 mcg of vitamin B12 per 100g. Bugsolutely Cricket Pasta contains 0.62 mcg per one serving size (55 g) of vitamin B12, about four times higher. When calculated into % DRV, the content is about 10% of DRV which can be claimed as ‘good source’ of vitamin B12 as well.

 

Evaluated by: Dr. Nednapis Vatanasuchart (M.Sc. Nutrition, Ph.D. Food Science)

Expert Researcher, Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.