Hargol FoodTech launches Biblical Protein locust products in the United States

The article was originally published in Haaretz.

n late May the company launched two “biblical protein” product lines in the United States. Perhaps surprisingly to the insect-averse among us, American evangelicals are snapping up not only energy bars made with oatmeal and powdered locust but also whole jars of the insects, driven by the desire to eat as people did in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago, says Dror Tamir, Hargol’s CEO.

Locusts are rich in protein (about 70 percent by weight), low in carbs and practically fat-free. They also contain a wealth of minerals: iron, zinc, folic acid – an essential for pregnant women – as well as omega-3, omega-6 and vitamins. “What’s hardly there? Cholesterol and saturated fat,” Tamir tells Haaretz.

Another thing not there is pesticides. The locusts going into Hargol’s products are cultivated in captivity and lovingly fed nothing but fresh grass, he adds. “Farmed locusts are a healthy, ecological source of protein,” he stresses.

Asked if anybody is actually ordering the jarful of locusts, Tamir [has been] surprised: “More than 50 percent of the orders are for the jars of locusts,” he says.

It seems that when people are offered products that they know contain locusts – from sausages to energy bars to gummy bears – they are “disappointed” (and probably relieved) not to taste anything “special.” Then they get curious about what the locust tastes like on its own!

Read the full article on Haaretz.