Canada’s largest food processor is investing in a company that sees crickets and whole-roasted insects as a more sustainable alternative to meat.<\/p>\n
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is providing Series A funding to Entomo Farms, an Ontario company that’s North America’s largest farmer of insects for human consumption. Entomo — whose website includes recipes for cricket powder blueberry muffins and spicy cricket fritters — said in a statement Wednesday it will use the cash to expand production of cricket and mealworm ingredients, which are used in protein bars, smoothies and pasta sauces.<\/p>\n
Alternative forms of protein comprise a fast-evolving sector. Startups and established food suppliers are seeking out new products that appeal to consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of the meat industry and maintaining a healthy diet. Crickets contain essential amino acids and are high in nutrients such as omega-3s, calcium and iron. They also use less land, water and feed than traditional meat farming on a pound-for-pound basis.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/wpmedia.business.financialpost.com\/2018\/04\/0411cricket.jpg?w=640&h=480\")
<\/a><\/p>\n