Innovative food you can trust.
Food Safety
Environmental Care
Social Compliance
ENTOTRUST is the insect food certification, it considers the whole production process, including environmental footprint and social compliance.
The ENTOTRUST label on packaging is the proof that the producer reached high quality and total food safety, within local and international requirements.
Safe alternative proteins
The program for insect food quality. We are an independent organization, certifying the quality of food products, containing edible insects. Certified products are safe and sustainable. The ENTOTRUST label is assigned only to those producers and farms complying with strict requirements.
What drives us.
A world where edible insects will supply healthy food, making high value proteins accessible to a wider population with important environmental and social benefits.
Why we exist.
ENTOTRUST mission is to support consumer acceptance of food products with alternative insect proteins, by backing quality producers, confirming their statements, helping to maintain top quality standards and defend their reputation.
The principles.
The program, based on international food and sustainability standards, follows the principles of:
- Integrity. The organization is free from direct participation of producers and farmers.
- Evidence. Solid scientific base with research partners.
- Contribution. We participate in research. The input of all stakeholders is highly valuable.
The Services.
We certify innovative products and offer continuous improvement to farmers and manufacturers.
- Food and Feed Certification
- Nutri Report tailored nutritional guide for your products
- Expert advise for insect farming and food production
- Your GHGE calculation (greenhouse gas emissions)
Producer
Show your quality, protect your brand.
We enable producers to be unique and preferred.
Insect food trend is growing, with many farmers and manufactures entering the market. We confirm the quality of your products and processes, through the ENTOTRUST audit. You gain consumers' trust.
ENTOTRUST is the international voluntary program to certify manufactures and farms. Certified producers.
Consumer
Eat safe and good food.
We stand for consumers information and health.
In the growing offer of insect based food, it is difficult to discern "garage" products from consciously produced qualitative ones. ENTOTRUST logo on pack helps you to avoid surprises, potentially harmful.
ENTOTRUST label on the packaging is the reference to buy safe and high quality products.
Team
Passion for doing good food.
It all started with our founders, international citizens and sustainability activists.
They realized that transparency on food origin, quality and environmental care are must.
The team of experts in quality assurance, biology, nutrition and food innovation converged.
Conscious producers should standout with the support of an independent organization that promotes continuous improvement, streghtens their messages and safeguards their investments.
Zay
General coordinator
Industrial Designer, experienced in product development and manufacturing. After graduation at the Institute of Technology, she earned her Master in Design in Milan, Italy. Worked for international brands and managed a science publishing company focused on tropical species. She successfully led the go-to-market of product lines. Capable manager and forward thinker, she envisions a future of healthier food for many.
Albert
Scientific coordinator
Expert in the safety and legislative aspects of edible insects. He collaborated in scientific reports by EFSA and OIE. Degree in Veterinary medicine and PhD in Veterinary Science. More than ten years as veterinary researcher, he has dealt with: food microbiology, novel food, microbiological risk assessment. He has authored several publications in scientific journals, books and monographs.
Loredana
Audit and network
Loredana has always been into food quality, after achieving the SFAM Placement Scholarship to identify the antibiotic resistance genes in unknown bacteria, from different food samples, she is now at the Food Science GCU (Scotland) as certified HACCP auditor. Her passion for alternative proteins was triggered after having lived one month on insect food, since then she promotes more sustainable food habits and lifestyle.
Mauro
Operations and governance
MBA with more than 20 years in food and retail. He takes care of our continuous development and stakeholders relationships. Focused on innovation and product development, operations and quality in different industries. He is a serial traveler and explorer, triggered by biology, wilderness, local traditions and food discoveries.
Charlotte
Sustainability advisor
PhD in the department of Zoology, University of Cambridge. Charlotte has done research on several aspects of insects as food, including the nutritional composition and role of wild and farmed species, as well as the sustainability of their cultivation and collection. She has done fieldwork in Japan, Congo, Mexico and Zimbabwe. Her current activity is with Springer.
Max
Activation ambassador
Senior manager, confirmed bicultural in Italy and France, obsessed by consumer demand analysis and a trailblazer. Master at L. Bocconi University Milan Italy, he was Marketing Direction and CGO officer in various multinational firms in the last 20 years. Based in France he focuses on network development and partnerships building.
News
Discover Eco-Nutrition
The Future of Sustainable Eating
ENSEKTA, South Africa’s first commercial cricket farm, is revolutionizing nutrition with insect-based foods. As demand for alternative proteins rises, they provide high-quality insect protein.
Whole roasted cricket powder is a versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing baked goods and smoothies while packing a protein punch. Committed to conscious farming, ENSEKTA maintains a minimal environmental footprint and support local communities. Now Entotrust certified, for safe and sustainable products.
Credits: Ensekta, all rights reserved. Ensekta.com
What is Smart Food?
Build muscle while boosting your immune system
The British Nutrition Foundation classifies smart foods as designed to nourish the body and provide great benefits for health. Alternative proteins provided by Crickets are a part of this, as excellent source of high-quality protein. KRIKETTI makes them readily available as classic protein powder and tasty vanilla or cocoa cookies, Entotrust certified. Results? Eating crickets can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut (Bifidobacterium) and reduce inflammation. As well as improving immune function, helping building and repairing muscle tissues. In the medium term, a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic pathologies.
Credits: Kriketti, all rights reserved. Kriketti.com
Italy approves insects as food
Clear rules by the "food-conservative" country
In 2024 a regulation became official: EU approved in early 2023 the sale of insects for human consumption, but Italy reacted with regulations such as ensuring insects are kept away from traditional dishes such as pasta and pizza. The government then conceded imposing clear labelling rules, stating the origin and the scientific name of the insect (eg. Acheta domesticus, for cricket) and to display these products only in retailers' dedicated shelves.
Credits: The Guardian, all rights reserved.
ENTOTRUST joins the SDG Partnerships
Actively supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Entotrust has been recognized by the United Nations as a relevant project to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, legitimized in its activities at global level. We received the honour of joining the SDG Partnerships. Thanks to our clients and supporters! All the details here: #SDGAction50217.
Credits: Entotrust team, all rights reserved.
Sustainable Development Goals focus
Our supporting mission
Traditional meat industry is not sustainable, animals are fed with vegetable proteins to produce … proteins. The irresponsible land use is devastating biodiversity, the trend of CO2 emissions cannot continue. ENTOTRUST committed to support 4 United Nations' SDG by making alternative proteins part of the diet of more people, with environmental and social benefits. Insects as source of proteins are nutritious, require a fraction of resources, with almost no CO2 emissions. ENTOTRUST logo on packaging builds trust of the consumers to adopt new dietary habits.
Credits: Entotrust team, all rights reserved.
Shawarma delight
Quality street food now available
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food dish consisting of meat cut into thin slices, roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie. Traditionally made with lamb, chicken or turkey...now with buffalo-worm (Alphitobius diaperinus). The De Krekerij’s Buffalo Shawarma is delicious with a wonderfully meaty texture, juicy taste and authentic seasoning. Now also ENTOTRUST certified. Be the change: one bite at a time.
Credits: De Krekerij, all rights reserved.
Now the House Cricket!
We welcome another insect officially approved in EU
The European Union (EU) approved in January the Acheta Domesticus, commonly known as the house cricket, to be commercialized starting on the 24th January 2023. The approved regulation allows to introduce the dry powder of the house cricket into the EU market. The new ingredient is very versatile to produce several foods, for example bakery; pasta; crisps and snacks; meat alternatives; protein bars and biscuits. Indeed a significant step for more sustainable consumption.
Credits: EU Commission, detailed source here.
Addicted to innovation
Pulled meat alternative? Sure!
De Krekerij team relentlessly seeks for making tasty food more sustainable. Knowing that in more than 80% of countries worldwide, crickets are eaten because of their taste, they captured this meaty taste and transformed it into Pulled Meat. A unique combination of cricket meat with vegetable additives, a new ingredient for your signature buns or poke bowl. This future proof meat is sustainable, high in proteins and vitamin B12, now ENTOTRUST certified. The future is now and tasty!
Credits: De Krekerij, all rights reserved.
Innovation for breakfast
Start the day with extraordinary cookies
Fucibo launched the first Italian cookies with the addition of insect flour authorized by the European Community.
Available in two flavours they are better for the environment and for you, with a protein boost and extra micronutrients.
The valuable protein within is from Tenebrio molitor, source of iron, and vitamins. The Fucibo biscuits achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for the high quality standard. These cookies with less carbohydrates, and more protein are available here.Credits: FUCIBO, all rights reserved.
Catch it if you can
The “hamburger” tastier than ever
De Krekerij team, did it again, and just achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for their HOPPER BURGER, sustainable food and health are for everyone. The new choice is a tender, savoury burger combining cricket meat with vegetable ingredients. This unique meat is sustainable having a mini environmental impact and nutritious for the high protein content and vitamin B12. Freshly frozen are ready to cook, available at specialty shops and national retailers. Join the crick-revolution!
Credits: De Krekerij, all rights reserved.
Latest insect food approved by EFSA
The lesser mealworm assessed safe!
4th July 2022 marks another step into a wider use of alternative proteins as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive assessment of Alphitobius diaperinus larva. The opinion of the scientific panel comprises the frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm, whole or in powder. This to be used as an ingredient to various products such as cereal bars, pasta, meat imitates and bakery products. More at: EFSA Journal
Credits: EFSA, all rights reserved.
Capture the great taste
Classic “meatballs” of future-proof meat
De Krekerij team, based in the Netherlands, believes in a world with a future-proof food system, where good food and health come together. That's why they developed the tastiest MEAT BALLS from crickets and grasshoppers. Delicious and great to bite, high in protein, source of calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, all with a mini environmental impact. All the reason why they achieved the ENTOTRUST certification. Chilled for highest quality, these “meatballs” are ready for pan or oven. Also vailable at LIDL in 420 stores. Capture the great taste!
Credits: De Krekerij, all rights reserved.
Superalimento
Aztec flair for modern proteins
OKUILLI means worm, in the ancient Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, and OPTIPROT is the company in Cuernavaca, Mexico, that developed large scale farming of Tenebrio molitor But this is modern superfood: high in protein (53%) and nutritious with iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, omega 3 and 6, amino acids, free of chemicals and hormones. OPTIPROT achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for high quality, food safety and for the farming committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing for example only natural and organic products as feed.
Credits: OPTIPROT, all rights reserved. Optiprot.com
Healthier indulgence
The Italian treats that unite tradition and innovation
Fucibo chips are the first Italian product with insect flour, authorized by the European Community. An innovative baked corn snack, a familiar product to introduce consumers to edible insects. The insect content (Tenebrio molitor) is a source of proteins, iron, and vitamins and incredibly sustainable. For their high quality they achieved the ENTOTRUST certification.
With less fats and carbohydrates, and more protein, you can indulge more often. Available in pizza and cheese flavours here.Credits: FUCIBO, all rights reserved.
One month challenge
Living on insect proteins daily, lunch and dinner
Would you eliminate, starting tomorrow, all traditional meat from your diet and replace it with insect proteins, every day? There are thousands of scientific evidences that insects are healthy and rich in nutrients, but Loredana H. wanted to prove it in person. As young scientist she decided to have insect food daily for one month. This experience eliminates any doubt. Read the interview.
Credits: ENTOTRUST, all rights reserved.
Save the planet... eat nachos
Food of the future certified
CRICK SUPERFOODS is the first company to produce insect based food in Ecuador. They wanted to make an impact re-inventing nachos with high content in cricket proteins. Good for people and good for the planet is the purpose of Francisca the energetic woman driving this successful team. They achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for high quality and sustainable practices. Two flavours (sea salt and chili) that consumers find irresistible, tasty and crunchy, while nutritionally balanced.
Credits: Crick Superfoods, all rights reserved. cricksuperfoods.com
Entotrust confirmed very effective
Higher consumers' preference vs established certifications
Researches with consumers show that the Entotrust logo visible on packaging increases perceived food safety by 40% for the same product without certification label. Additionally, it performs better than widely known food certifications (e.g. Organic, Fairtrade, Bio) in direct comparison on the same product, for consumer purchase intention and visual appeal. We are extremely proud of this recognition, that validates our mission.
Credits: Various authors, full paper in resources "Foods-12-03606"
Another insect is EU approved
Locusta migratoria hits the market
The EU Commission in November 2021 authorised frozen, dried and powder forms of Locusta migratoria as a food (detail here).
Another achievement towards the wider adoption of insect based alternative proteins, thank to the application of the company Fair Insects located in the Netherlands. Albeit being an exclusive authorisation to "the applicant’s file for the sole use of the applicant” it does not prevent others from applying for the same novel food. Let’s stay tuned.Credits: EU Commission, 2021.
Australia one step ahead
A roadmap for strategic growth of the edible insects industry
Alternative proteins are flourishing, veggie is the low hanging fruit, but insect proteins in a wider number of countries become the real alternative and a cultural change.
We recommend the report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science organization, which identifies the challenges and opportunities for the Australian edible insect industry providing a detailed framework for all stakeholders. Australia is well positioned to contribute to the edible insect market with a tradition of agricultural innovation and bio-diversity. Download the report.Credits: CSIRO, Dr Rocio Ponce-Reyes, Dr Bryan Lessard.
Why social fairness in insect food?
Upcoming human rights rules
The EU is planning to introduce mandatory human rights due diligence regulations. Many governments will be serious about addressing working conditions in supply chains. The insect food industry must avoid the pitfall of other food chains. The new laws would require retailers to show that suppliers adopted social standards. Part of the ENTOTRUST audit is to verify also social fairness. Read the full article here.
Insect food approved by European FSA
Tenebrio molitor stated safe, finally
13 January 2021 can be considered a historical day in Europe for insect food. In fact, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive assessment of Tenebrio molitor paving the way for a wider EU consensus, where some countries still ban its commercialization. Using insects in food is more than a trend, and the EFSA’s evaluation is essential for the policymakers who will decide for the wider EU authorization in the next months.
Credits: EFSA, all rights reserved. The EFSA Journal.
Certified macarons for retail!
Retailer Kaufland introduced since April insect-based food items
The German retailer started to introduce in Croatia a selection of insect food products, described as 'healthy, eco-conscious, and highly nutritious’ emphasising the sustainability dimensions.
Mealworm powder is the key ingredient of the biscuits line produced by MINUS FARM. The almond macarons, the speculoos and shortbread chocolate biscuits are ENTOTRUST certified.
Credits: Virginie Mixe, co-founder. minusfarm.fr
Consumers prefer evident quality
54% of consumers look for reassurance on pack
Over the last years, and nowadays with stronger emphasis on food safety and "earth care", a certification on packaging, which is not an obscure code, gives value to the product in consumer's perception. Studies confirm that preference is given to those products carrying quality certifications. Such labels on packaging provide proof of marketing statements, gain visibility and purchase. Read the full article.
Credits: Mauro Bianchi, all rights reserved.
Eco-nutrition, certified
The central value of alternative food
Eco-nutrition is the concept supported by the IN Insect-Nutrition team. Their 100% cricket powder embodies the renovated value of food for human health, environmental defence and ethical consumption. Now ENTOTRUST certified for its high quality and sustainable farming. It is an alternative protein naturally rich in fibres, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and B12 vitamin. Adaptable ingredient in daily diets, ready to eat or in preparations for bakery, fitness programs or gourmet inspiration.
Credits: IN Insect Nutrition, insectnutrition.mx.
Covid and food
Food itself is not a source of infection
With the hope of a definitive solution to the pandemic, good news is that the virus is not transmitted by food, both EFSA’s chief scientist, Marta Hugas and US FDA agree. This is valid also for insect-based foods, as confirmed by a recent review (Maciel-Vergara & Ros, 2017), when proper food handling and processing practices are applied. Stay healthy. Read the full article.
Credits: Entotrust team, all rights reserved.
Certified juices for vitality
Crickets are very rich in B12 vitamin
The Danish team Syngja developed natural juices, with organic fruits, vegetables, and cricket powder. The refreshing and tasty shots, available in 3 flavours, offer an everyday boost for vitality and energy. The cricket powder and its B12 content constitute a key element for human health. The newly achieved Entotrust certification confirms safety, health and low environmental footprint.
Credits: Jakob Rukov founder. Syngja.dk
Summit for food innovation. UK
New thinking. Game changing. Future making.
Entotrust is official supporter of the Food Matters Summit, first event of its kind in the UK, connecting organisations across the food supply chain, bringing together disruptive innovators and multinational companies. Carefully curated content will be delivered by a cast of 100 international speakers. Themes include:
- The food revolution: feeding 10 billion people sustainably
- Tomorrow's innovation: defining the future of food systems
- Feeding the future: how disruption changes food industry
Visit: www.foodmatters.co.uk Join the event with the ENTOTRUST member pass.
Certified, front runner Canadian farm
Earth preservation through alternative proteins
Since 2014, Entomo Farms has been developing large scale cricket farming. The protein powder is for B2B and for end consumers. Entomo Farms is the largest scale farm of crickets in North America.
They choose Entotrust to confirm their high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. Entotrust certifies the whole chain from farm to fork, as a guarantee for consumers and in recognition of high quality food products..
Credits: Kelly Hagen, COO. Entomofarms.com
Insetec 2019, Brazil
Production technologies, environment and nutrition.
November 6th-8th. Entotrust joins the first Brazilian conference on edible insects, originated by ASBRACI and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). In the agenda: Ethno-Entomology, Entomoculture and Technologies (production, management, environment and techniques of processing, scale and associated biotechnologies); Food and Feed (quality and composition, storage and conservation); Market and Legislation.
Credits: INSETEC.
Zophobas for haute cuisine. Certified
The starred chefs choice in Mexico
ZOFO is the brand name of oven dried and naturally spiced Zophobas morio developed by Chikle Project in Mexico. Available in 3 flavors and a unique salt mix, it is produced in the first Cancun insects farm already operating at scale, and recently ENTOTRUST certified. The chefs professional community already recognized outstanding taste and inspiration, while ENTOTRUST confirmed food safety and operations sustainability.
Credits: Andre Demontigny, Managing Director. zofo.mx
Research presented at Insecta 2019, Germany
Entotrust collaboration on insects authenticity
The food technology lab of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Italy, presented the poster at the INSECTA 2019 expert conference in Potsdam, 5-6 September 2019. The pilot study, still ongoing, is aimed at evaluating the possibility of applying DART-HRMS to insect powder for authenticity purposes and it is carried out in collaboration with the Entotrust network. Entotrust was also sponsor of the conference. Download
Credits: Simone Belluco, IZSdV, all rights reserved.
Certified crickets under the baobab
Food security goes with wildlife future
Madagascar’s biodiversity is threatened by the rising demand for food, farming and wild lemur hunting, nowadays only 10% of natural habitat remains. But, how to cope with the world’s fourth highest rate of malnutrition? The IPSIO group of experts, Insects and People of the Southwest Indian Ocean, developed in the last 2 years a program to farm local insects for food purposes. ENTOTRUST contributed assessing the farm and processes, providing recommendations and certification of the key product: cricket protein powder. The Valala Farm is located in the Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Antananarivo.
A Malagasy proverb speaks “Valala iray hifanapahana” I have only one cricket but I will break it in half to share.
Credits: Brian Fisher coordinator. ipsio.org
Certified cricket... crackers
UK firm innovates ubiquitous US bread
Four flavours crackers by Cricke' have achieved the ENTOTRUST certification. The reengineered flat bread offers a contemporary and versatile source of protein. Assessed safe and sustainable, they scored utmostly low GHG emissions, 0,12 kg/year CO2. Check the co-founder video >
Credits: Edoardo Imparato, co-founder. crickefood.com
Certified caterpillars
Great nutrients and taste available all year
Fasopro, the shea-tree caterpillars manufacturer achieved the Entotrust certification. Based in Burkina Faso, with the mission to create a source of income for rural women involved in the seasonal collection, thus allowing the availability of this tasty and nutritious food all the year. The products and processes, from collection to packaging, have showed to be safe and highly sustainable.
Credits: Kahitouo Hien, founder and GM. fasopro.bf
Certified Chapulines from Mexico
Millenary tradition encounters new food habits
Merci Mercado achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for food safety and sustainability. The wild collection of seasonal grasshoppers respects insect lifecycle, and allows local population to gain a fair extra income. A responsible product that truly matches tradition, nutritional richness and taste. Check the co-founder video >
Credits: Nahabi V. and Laurence H. mercimercado.com
Prevention through insects
Antioxidants groundbreaking new study
Eating insects may be recommended for cancer prevention. An Italian study demonstrated that insects contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Prof Mauro Serafini reports that "in the future, we might adapt dietary regimens for insect rearing in order to increase their antioxidant content”.
Credits: University of Teramo, M.S., all rights reserved.
Certified Molitor!
2019 starts with safe & sustainable MOLITOR
The Minusfarm Molitor comes from a responsible farm that has been independently certified to the ENTOTRUST quality standards. This insect food has met the ENTOTRUST food safety and sustainability requirements for farming and manufacturing. See here the video >
Credits: Virginie Mixe, co-founder. minusfarm.fr
More light on nutritional composition
Wild harvested insects study. 2018
We recommend this new study regarding wild harvested edible insects. With potential to contribute to nutrition security, yet the nutritional composition is often unknown. The study investigated the nutritional composition of wild harvested Eulepida mashona and Henicus whellani and its variation in different harvest places.
Credits: Faith A. Manditsera, Pieternel A. Luning, V. Fogliano, C.M.M. Lakemond.
First certified functional drink
Innovation from silkworm peptides
Avaento is the company that developed the first beauty drink with silkworm peptides, Chrys Mei. The birth of this drink is the combination of traditional farming of silkworms and the latest food technologies. Rigorous processes and consistent quality are confirmed by ENTOTRUST.
Credits: Avaento Inc., Zilu Wan.
Read on insects sustainability
Edible Insects in Sustainable Food Systems. 2018
The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to analysing how insects contribute to food systems around the world. Includes unique research on multiple countries. Features state-of-the-art research on farmed, semi-cultivated and wild insect species.
Springer Publishing. Editors: Halloran, A., Flore, R., Vantomme, P., Roos, N.
Future Food Vision
Growing population calls for new options
As we struggle to feed our growing population, here is how the champions of technology are going to shape our food. A short tutorial explaining nutrition alternatives and applied sciences.
Credits: Astrolabe, all rights reserved.
ENTONUTRE
the quality label for pet food and feed.
ENTONUTRE is quality pet food
Also our pet friends, must count with high quality feed based on insect proteins. They deserve more than a mixture of processed meat by-products, synthetic thickeners and flavour enhancers.
The ENTONUTRE certification enables the feed producer to attest safety and sustainability, that become visible on the packaging.
This is the assurance that pet food was lab tested to avoid contaminants and the processes audited to confirm good practices and low environmental impacts.
ENTONUTRE is quality feed
The quote "you are what you eat" has never been so right as nowadays. Knowing that the feed given to farmed animals can reach unprecedent levels of chemical and biological contaminants, antibiotics and microplastics. Quality food comes from quality feed.
With ENTONUTRE the feed for farmed animals, poultry or aquaculture, is lab tested, and the processes audited to confirm low environmental impacts and compliance.
AQUACULTURE
Fish fed on meat industry by-products or leftovers is common. Insect-based feed is more rich in nutrients, thus providing natural growth and quality meat.
POULTRY FARMING
It is demonstrated that eggs and meat produced with feed of insect origin is more nutritious and tastier. The diet is the best by nature and living conditions healthier.
