The Nutritional Quality of Commercially Bred Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Compared to European Union Nutrition Claims.

Simple Summary: In the search for sustainable protein sources, the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is often regarded as a promising food source. Our research evaluates the applicability of European nutrition claims (Regulation (EU) No. 1924/2006) to commercially bred yellow mealworms, using samples from four Belgian breeders. We analyzed their proximate compositions, fatty acid profiles, and mineral contents to validate these claims. This study improves our understanding of compositional variations among yellow mealworms from different breeders and explores their potential to meet specific European nutritional standards. Due to its potential as a sustainable protein source, the industrial relevance of Tenebrio molitor, known as yellow mealworm, is set to increase substantially. Given the novelty of its application in the food industry, knowledge is lacking regarding the nutritional quality of commercially farmed mealworms. This study investigated the nutritional composition of larvae from four different rearing facilities in Belgium and specifically investigated whether their nutritional profiles adhered to defined European nutrition claims (Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006). In particular, the European nutrition claims "high in protein", "high unsaturated fat", "high in fibre" and "rich in P, Mg, K, Zn and Mn" were applicable for all mealworm samples on a dry matter basis. On a fresh matter basis, yellow mealworms were found to be "high in protein", "high unsaturated fat" and "low in sugar". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]