Feeling peckish ?

Why try something different next time you head out for a snack ?

A grasshopper maybe? Or perhaps a mealworm?

That is what was on the menu at getwestlondon this lunchtime for myself and fellow reporter Alex Ballinger.

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations says that on average, at least two billion people worldwide eat insects, yet here in England, they rarely make it onto our plates.

The report also says that by 2050, the world's population will rise to 9 billion and suggests that we will need to double our protein production to meet demand, and what is worming its way into the market?

Yes you guessed it, mealworms and of course other insects, of which over 2,000 different species exist.

There are crickets, mealworms and grasshoppers available
Myself and fellow reporter Alex sampled the snacks

Packed with amino acids, calcium, vitamins and omegas three and six, these little snacks are brimming with nutrients and offer an alternative source of protein.

The company, Jimini's say their insects are bred in Europe and are prepared in France, and they are now available to buy right on your doorstep.

Partridges near Sloane Square, Fortnum & Mason and Planet Organic are stocking the insects, which range from £2.40 to £2.50 for an insect bar or £6 to £6.50 for a box of mealworms, grasshoppers or crickets.

That was the grasshopper!

But if you are wincing just at the thought of tucking into a chunky grasshopper, they are all flavoured to add to the experience, with flavours including sweet mango, garlic & herbs and paprika.

Oh, and they are extremely low in calories, with a 14g box of crickets for example containing just 31.4 calories!

For me, the mealworms came out on top, whilst Alex's favourite was the smoked onion bbq crickets.

We both agreed that the grasshoppers were more of a one hit wonder and consequently, did not go back for seconds.

If you are brave enough to give them a try, be warned, as some of these insects carry the same allergy warnings as shellfish.

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