The aquaculture sector has already embraced the potential for insect protein. Protein derived from insects such as house fly larvae is a near-analog of fishmeal protein traditionally used as the base for commercial fish feed.

Processed insect protein is a more sustainable aquafeed ingredient and can replace traditional fishmeal powder from the feed mix.

Previously produced commercially as fishing bait and pet reptile feed, mealworms are increasingly being farmed as an alternative source of protein. They require only 10% of the land needed for livestock and have a smaller greenhouse footprint.

Mealworms are rich in protein and retain around 40% of their content when freeze-dried. Mill the insects into a powder to broaden its application in the food and feed sector.

Drying is a delicate step in the insect processing line because it can alter the properties of the material. Under-dried insects develop bacteria, while over-drying causes scorching and reduces the protein’s nutritional value.

Two main types of dryers are used: Direct and Indirect drying. Direct drying is when the material is treated with hot air at a temperature of 200-300ºC as it goes through the heat exchange unit. This is quicker, but heat damage is much more likely if the process is not carefully controlled. Indirect drying offers a gentler approach. In this technique, the energy transfer is performed through a heating medium like steam-heated discs.