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Dr Georg Abel, nutritionist: "Insect bars are an interesting, sensible and sustainable alternative to conventional protein bars. Insects also often provide minerals, fibre and sometimes healthy fats. Now there's just the disgust factor, which will put some athletes off."
Our BIKE editors dared to try the insect bars and had a hearty bite. Here are the results of our self-experiment:
Bug Break: Buffalo worms, sesame & almond
Info www.bug-break.com
Price 2.93 euros (36 grams) >> e.g. available here
Insects 10 % roasted buffalo worms
History Folke Dammann is a pioneer of German insect animals: the chef has written insect cookery books and gives workshops on the preparation of mealworms, buffalo worms and grasshoppers. His company Snack Insects supplies wholesalers and caterers.
CONCLUSION: Thanks to its high carbohydrate content, it also energises you during the tour - provided you don't mind the sight of the small pressed worms. Minus points for the high fat content. The flavour is reminiscent of sesame bars from the health food store.
Nutrients (per 100 grams) 14.8 g protein; 39.5 g carbohydrates; 31 g fat
Isaac Nutrition: Hazelnut cocoa
Price 2,99 Euro (85 gram)
Insects 12 % Buffalo worms
History Together with Münster University of Applied Sciences, Charlotte Binder, Tim Dapprich and Nicolas Viegener developed the first insect-based protein powder in 2018. The company motto: "resource-conserving and sustainable". The buffalo worms used in the bar, which is produced in Germany, come from farms in the Netherlands.
CONCLUSIONIf you have a preference for nuts, you will love the oat bar with nut pieces and a subtle chocolate coating. The large bar is very filling - and can satisfy the first hunger pangs after a strenuous training session.
Nutrients (per 100 grams) 24 g protein; 16.5 g carbohydrates; 11.2 g fat
Jimini's: Banana-Black Chocolate
Info www.jiminis.com
Price 2,50 Euro (40 gram)
Insects 5.2 % dried cricket flour
History "Think bigger, eat smaller" is the mantra of the French company, which has been producing insect products since 2012. These include muesli and sweet or savoury mealworms for grilling. In the USA, the label of almost the same name, Jiminy's, sells dog food with insect protein - don't confuse the two!
CONCLUSIONConsistency and flavour are reminiscent of conventional fruit bars, partly because the insect content is low. Slightly sweet, but not too overpowering. With 176 kilocalories per bar, an energy bomb with rather little protein.
Nutrients (per 100 grams) 14 g protein; 39.7 g carbohydrates; 23.3 g fat
Swarm Protein: Red Berries
Info www.swarmprotein.com
Price 1.99 euros (33 grams)
Insects 17 % cricket powder
History The desire to "do something with insects" led Timo Bäcker and Christopher Zeppenfeld to go on a culinary voyage of discovery in Asia. The result was the Swarm Protein brand, which is now available in every REWE supermarket.
CONCLUSIONThe soft consistency is reminiscent of conventional energy bars. The Swarm protein bar is also in no way inferior to classic products in terms of energy content. The berry flavour is subtle and the bar is not too sweet. A tasty snack for on the go.
Nutrients (per 100 grams) 20 g protein; 43 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat
Stefan Frey
Editor
