OmniBug™ High quality sustainable cricket protein ingredient with a wide array of nutritional and environmental benefits
OmniBug™ can be used as a nutritional ingredient in any type of food preparation to provide a better nutritional profile.
A sustainable way to deliver protein Many would want to know why the consumption of bugs, most specifically crickets is going mainstream. Cricket protein delivers numerous benefits in terms of value directly to the individual, to the environment, and the economy. Crickets are highly nourishing and rich in high-quality proteins, providing an excellent source of essential amino acids. In fact, cricket protein is considered a “complete protein” because it contains all nine essential amino acids. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B12, and minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
As the world's population grows and the demand for food increases, alternative protein sources like cricket protein can help meet global food needs sustainably while providing a nutritious and versatile food source. As we look at possible solutions, we need to find foods that are high in protein and nutrients necessary to life, but which do not require a high percentage of the world’s limited resources to produce. OmniBug™ is part of the solution as it offers an impressive nutritional profile, while being an eco-friendly alternative to animal- and plant-based proteins.
What is OmniBug™? OmniBug™ is a superfine cricket protein powder made from partly defatted whole crickets. The crickets used for this premium protein are house crickets (archeta domesticus) that come from GAP-certified farms in Thailand.
100 % natural Considered a “complete protein” Amino acid profile is superior to that of animal and plant sources Contains all 9 EAAs
Contains > 70 % protein Eco-friendly due to low GHGEs and minimal water footprint Mild and nutty taste
High protein digestibility
Rich in vitamin B12 and biotin
5 % of dietary fiber
> 60 % of fats are unsaturated
Good source of magnesium, iron, and zinc
Free from gluten, sugar, and lactose
A neutral taste allows for combination with a wide range of ingredients It should be mentioned that OmniBug™ blends into whatever product it is added to without affecting the taste or texture, which makes it easy to incorporate within so many different foods and supplements. Mixing traditional proteins like soy, pea, or whey into snacks and traditional food products is often a challenge because of their strong impact on both flavor and texture. OmniBug™ is valued as a protein powder that can easily be incorporated into any meal preparation. Having a canister of this premium protein powder at hand for use in the kitchen is an easy and reliable way of adding and consuming protein throughout the day. OmniBug™ has a neutral flavor that allows it to be combined with a wide range of ingredients, making it a great option for everyone who enjoys experimenting with new ingredients. Additionally, OmniBug™ is low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making it a good choice for those following a low-carb or high-fiber diet.
This new ingredient from Essentia is incredibly versatile and can elevate the nutritional value of so many different food categories. Please reach out to our ingredient experts for more inspiration on how to incorporate OmniBug™ into your food recipes.
Application inspiration Bread, buns, and muffins Pancakes Falafels Humus Cereal and protein bars Breakfast cereals Porridge and creamy desserts Pasta and noodles Paleo-friendly supplements Protein powder mixes Soups and sauces And so much more
OmniBug™ allows you to leverage the positioning of your food brand to one that is incredibly healthy and truly eco-friendly. Taste and texture stay unchanged.
Unlock the nutritional potential of cricket protein Cricket protein is a relatively new and exciting source of nutrition that is quickly gaining popularity in the health and fitness world. Not only is it a sustainable and environmentally friendly protein source, but it also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. With so many nutritional benefits, cricket protein is quickly becoming a go-to protein source for health-conscious individuals looking to improve their overall health and wellbeing. OmniBug™ is a high-quality ingredient with a consistent nutritional profile. It fits into many food categories both within and beyond sports nutrition.
Dietary fiber (chitin) Chitin is an important substance in cricket protein. It is a dietary fiber that cannot be digested by humans, but it serves as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Chitin can thus help maintain a healthy digestive system and contribute to overall health and wellbeing. OmniBug™ offers more than 4 % grams of fiber per 100 grams of protein powder. It is important to note that some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to shells of crustaceans present in shrimp, lobster, crab, and crickets.
Essential minerals OmniBug™ is a good source of the following essential minerals: Iron: Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Lack of iron can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath.
Calcium: Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Magnesium: Magnesium plays a vital role for proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the immune system. Zinc: Zinc is important for immune function, wound healing, and the synthesis of DNA. Phosphorus: Phosphorus helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in energy production and the metabolism of macronutrients.
Healthy fatty acids Cricket protein contains a wide range of healthy fatty acids. In fact, OmniBug™ contains omega-3, -6, and -9 – however in moderate quantities. It also contains a valuable amount of monounsaturated fatty acids that are recognized for improving cholesterol levels.
Ingredient
Protein (N x 6.25)
Fiber (per 100 g)
Magnesium (per 100 g)
Iron (per 100 g)
OmniBug™ 530
> 70 %
>4%
140 mg
9.3 mg
This ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We may amend, update or otherwise change, at any time and without prior notice, any or all of the specifications included in this document.
Cricket protein is a sustainable and nutritious source of protein that has gained popularity in recent years due to its high nutritional value, low environmental footprint, and versatility in a wide range of food products.
A superfood with a low environmental footprint OmniBug™ targets food producers who want to develop healthy product for environmental-aware consumers.
It takes around 2,000 gallons (7,571 liters) of water to produce one pound of beef, while one pound of cricket protein requires only one gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
Cricket farming is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock farming. It requires fewer resources, produces fewer GHG emissions, and produces less waste. This makes OmniBug™ an appealing ingredient for those concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices.
In Essentia we strongly believe that insects are a promising food source for the future. As the world's population grows and demand for food increases, alternative protein sources like cricket protein may become increasingly important to meet global food needs sustainably.
Crickets are efficient at converting their food into protein, requiring significantly less water, feed, and land than traditional livestock farming.
Please contact our ingredient experts for more information about the environmental footprint of OmniBug™.
Highest standards of food safety OmniBug™ is sourced and produced in Thailand – a true pioneer in the field of rearing and commercializing crickets for human consumption. It is produced in a brand-new facility using state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest food safety standards as well as scalable, efficient and environmentally friendly processes. The aim is to pursue a zerowaste philosophy that matches the overall positive sustainability profile of cricket protein. The factory has been audited by Essentia and holds a Thai FDA-approval.
Bringing the best of nature directly into your formulation Whether you are looking to clean up your label, add appealing attributes to your food or beverage product or improve the nutritional value of your brand, Essentia Protein Solutions can help you reach your goals. Essentia Protein Solutions is a global producer of animal protein solutions for the food and beverage industry. All Essentia ingredients are derived from natural raw materials originating from beef, pork,
MEAT
SAVORY
chicken, lamb, fish and insect. The advanced fractionation methods used in our modern facilities only involve thermal and mechanical processing, without using food additives of any kind. Whatever trend you want to tap into, a good place to start is our Innovation Centers, where our protein experts are ready to engage with your experts to help create exciting new products that consumers feel good about eating.
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