Dive Brief:
- Researchers say that honey bee brood, or the larvae and pupae of drones, could be a more sustainable alternative protein source than other insects, according to a paper published in the Journal of Apicultural Research.
- Beekeepers already remove bee brood to prevent the spread of Varroa mite, the global honey bee population's biggest parasitic threat.
- Several countries, such as Mexico, Thailand and Australia, consider bee brood a delicacy, commonly used in soups and egg dishes. Researchers compare bee brood's nutritional value to the protein quality and quantity of beef.
Dive Insight:
But while honey bees and their byproducts may already be commonly consumed in different parts of the world, manufacturers wanting to use this protein source have two key challenges to overcome in the U.S. Many American consumers have yet to overcome the "ick" factor of eating insect protein, which has slowed the adoption of this protein class compared to other countries.
Because beekeepers already remove bee brood as a protective measure for their hives, it is a potentially more sustainable and more readily harvestable insect protein source. Bee brood doesn't require much additional land, setup or financial investment than what beekeepers already use to breed bees and harvest honey.
However, the actual process of harvesting bee brood can be challenging because of its delicate nature, which makes it difficult for beekeepers to remove it intact for food production purposes.
Bee brood can also go bad easily, due to their high fat content. Beekeepers and manufacturers can develop a process to prevent exposure and maintain the bee brood's shelf life, safety and storage capacity, particularly through freezing.
Honey bees are also top of mind among eco-conscious consumers as bee populations have died off significantly in recent years. This could cause consumers to hesitate before buying a product made with honey bee larvae or pupae.