Goldin says since Entomo Farms was founded, the interest in crickets as a food source in the West has grown. In 2018, Maple Leaf Foods invested in Entomo Farms, and people are slowly getting over the “ick factor,” he says.

“I think it’s natural for people to have some kind of fear about things that are different or things that they are not used to,” says Goldin. At least six days a week Goldin consumes crickets in the form of a powder as a smoothie ingredient. He says, “cricket powder can be integrated into almost any dish.”

With more research coming out on the health benefits of crickets, Goldin says that they haven’t yet found anything unhealthy about their consumption. For those with an open mind, Goldin says that if you want to live a longer, healthier life, and think that food is part of the solution then incorporating crickets in your diet might be a good idea.

Interested in testing out some different ways to start introducing insects to your diet? Here are 10 ways to enjoy crickets: 

As a protein bar

For a great on-the-go snack, cricket protein bars are the perfect option. Several companies have already begun using crickets as an ingredient to make convenient energy bars like the Montréal-based company Näak. Using only 100 per cent natural ingredients, Näak energy bars come in flavours like mocha hazelnut, raspberry apricot, and maple walnut. 

Blended into a smoothie

Not up for the crunch? Adding cricket powder to a smoothie is another idea and could be a great option for those morning protein shake lovers. Large food brands like Presidents Choice sell 100 per cent cricket powder that can be used to make recipes like this strawberry banana cricket powder smoothie. Smoothies are also an easy way to introduce crickets to your diet for those who are still a little uneasy about the idea. 

Whole roasted

One of the easiest ways to eat crickets is to just enjoy them whole roasted. Entomo Farms says that these crickets have a similar taste to sunflower seeds: light, airy and crunchy. 100 per cent farmed in Canada, this healthy snack is also dairy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. 

In a chip

Fortified with cricket protein, these protein chips by Chirps are the world’s first cricket chip. With 20 per cent of your recommended daily value of B12, Chirps sells their chips in flavour like cheddar, barbeque, and siracha. A great snack for any summer BBQ. 

Dining out

Next date-night, why not try something a little different? Restaurants like El Catrin Destileria in Toronto’s Distillery District offer the option of adding roasted crickets to an order of guacamole. Interested in cricket empanadas? Cookie Martinez is another restaurant in Toronto that serves up several insect-based dishes. They also serve oyster mushroom and cricket druxelles and cricket kebabs. 

As a dessert

For those with a sweet tooth, try chocolate-covered crickets. With just three ingredients, this recipe is a quick and easy way to make a unique and tasty snack. It can even be a great way to add some more protein to an evening dessert. 

In pancakes

Naturally gluten-free, cricket flour is a great substitute for all-purpose flour when it comes to making things like pancakes. Try this pancake recipe to add a little twist to a Sunday morning breakfast. Don’t forget the maple syrup! 

Made into banana bread

Noted for having a nutty taste, including cricket powder in baked goods can be a great way to add flavour and protein to your everyday recipes. This banana bread recipe, by Exo, includes all of your typical banana bread ingredients but incorporates their pure cricket powder as a flavour booster.