Insects in food: no longer a shocking Halloween novelty

It is clear that as the number of people in the world grows, the issue of food supply becomes more and more relevant. Carlos’ Bugs is one of the first companies to offer products that contain insect protein powder, which was only introduced as a new food in Europe in 2021.

The brand’s first product is something that everyone can understand: chocolates. However, the founder of the company, Edīte Ligere, has ideas for more.

Ligere found out about insects in food by accident in 2017, and was fascinated by the idea. She began researching the topic, and it seemed interesting that people were fine trying insects as food when travelling in Asia, and bringing them back home as souvenirs, but were not happy including insects in their daily diet. Back then, insects had not yet been included on the list of new foods as part of EU regulations. Ligere seeks to work to develop this industry, because insects are rich in various proteins, and they can be grown sustainably.

Everyone likes chocolate

E. Ligere’s master thesis is about the use of insects as food. In a survey she conducted, she found that 36% of 913 respondents were ready to have insects in food. The challenge is to offer insects as part of everyday food and package them in a way that is understandable and acceptable to the average European. Insects are more acceptable to humans if they are invisible, and she uses a powder added to other foods that everyone is familiar with. The first Carlos’ Bugs product is chocolates with insect protein. “Most people don’t know what insects taste like. However, everyone knows the taste of chocolate: people have a clear idea of what to expect from chocolates that also contain insect protein. The insects we add provide not only protein, but also omega, iron, vitamin B. Of course, sweets don’t count as a food supplement, but why can’t they offer some added value?” Ligere said.

Living in Germany, growing a business in Latvia

Right now, Ligere lives in Düsseldorf, where she moved a few years ago because of her husband’s career: he studies vascular surgery. It was clear from the very beginning that the family would one day return to Latvia. While living in Germany, they stayed in touch with Latvia’s information space. That is why last year she also noticed information about the pre-incubation programme of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, which is specifically intended for diaspora Latvians. Ligere had previously had ideas about foods with insect protein, but it always seemed that she would start building her own company when she returned to Latvia.

The purpose of the pre-incubation programme was for people taking the first steps building their business and for researching an idea; she was not required to create a product. But Ligere had a clear vision for her product. She contacted the sweets brand Caps! Chocolate founder Ilze Garanča, who agreed to partner up. Garanča knew everything about chocolate, and Ligere, about insects. Together, they created a completely new product.

Huge potential on a global scale

“This is not just one person encouraging others to eat insects. Everything encourages it: food demand, overpopulation, global warming, the European Green Deal. The insect industry is in its infancy, but has huge global potential. I hope that insects eventually become a thoroughly common food, much like sushi is now. It’s a question of time, because everything depends on how open people are to the idea,” Ligere said.

Foods with insect protein are new not only to the Baltics, but also to all of Europe. That is why she is working on exports. Samples have already been sent to potential customers in Norway and Austria. Negotiations with potential partners in Germany have also begun.

Ligere has ideas for new products, to be introduced next year, but even before that, she will offer insect powder that everyone can add to various dishes, such as pancakes, sauces, smoothies, at home.