ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS
Insects as aquafeed ingredients: Opportunities and trends Constantin Muraru, International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF)
Pressured by the need to feed two billion more people globally in line with the limits of the planetary boundaries by 2050, it is clear that food production systems have to undergo a complex transformation. The aquaculture sector already started this process - from production systems that focus on reducing the environmental impact of fish farming to business models that embrace the principles of circular economy, this decade offers exciting opportunities for fish farmers. But does European aquaculture have the right ingredients to deliver? With increasing pressure on natural resources, novel feed ingredients such as insects offer new avenues for growth. This innovation is also recognized by a recent roadmap for the upcoming decade published by the European Commission, called the Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. Throughout this article, we will provide a concise overview of the
latest developments and upcoming trends regarding the incorporation of insect-derived ingredients into aquafeed.
Why insects? Insects are nutritious and healthy According to the scientific literature, diets including proteins derived from insects in the feed ratio show similar or better performance to commonly used aquafeed. Generally, insect meal is used as a complementary ingredient or partial replacement of the main protein-rich ingredient (e.g. fishmeal, soybean meal, etc.) with proven nutritional benefits even at low inclusion levels. Having an adequate essential amino acid profile, insects also contain bioactive compounds that enhance the immune function of the target animal, improving health and welfare indicators. Such topics represent a key priority for the scientific community,
Figure 1. The main markets for insect feed products by share (%) of quantities sold (2025 vs 2030). Source: An overview of the European market of insects as feed (IPIFF - April, 2021).
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 14 Issue 1 2022
