Black Soldier Fly Larvae Protein %

Last Updated on April 24, 2021 by Jeffery Jago

Black solider fly larvae are a sustainable protein source that has been gaining popularity in the last few years. They have a massively high nutritional content and contain all essential amino acids, which is why many people think they should be included in our own human diets as well. Most people get a bit skeevy when you bring that topic up though! In any case, black soldier fly protein content is quite high and is good for animals and humans!

With a massive protein count of 44% – that’s over double the content of beef – black soldier fly larvae could be a sustainable protein source for not only animals but humans all over the world. But like I said in the beginning, some people aren’t so keen on that idea. Honestly, even as a worm person, I have a hard time with the idea of replacing my burger with maggots. But I digress.

In comparison to some other high protein sources, less than 1 hectare of black soldier fly larvae can produce more protein than cattle grazing on 1200 hectares or 52 hectares of soybeans.

That should really put the power of BSF larvae into perspective.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, food demand is expected to increase by 70% by 2050. This means that there will be 9.7 billion people on earth at this time while today we have 7 billion people in total (and a large chunk of those are undernourished). When you look at what’s trending now – an increased focus on bug-based foods like crickets and black soldier larva, it’s not surprising.

Anything you can do to increase protein production on less farmland is a big win for everyone, bug-based or otherwise.

In the case of black soldier fly larvae that means an increased focus on this organic and sustainable feedstock which could have major implications in terms of food security, global economic stability and environmental health. And while I’m certainly not suggesting we all trade our burgers for maggots anytime soon (What you’ve never seen a hypocrite before?), there does seem to be something promising about turnin’ up the volume on entomophagy – especially considering some estimates from scientists who are predicting over 80% conversion efficiency with BSFs as opposed to converting other animal proteins like beef into edible products like meat.

So in conclusion, black soldier fly larvae protein is a sustainable and environmentally friendly protein that can be used as a substitute for other animal proteins. With a whopping 44% protein, it beats out most other forms of farmable protein. Your animals will love it, and it just might be one of the things that can save humanity down the road.