Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review
The utilization of alternative and sustainable food sources has garnered significant interest as a means to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae, commonly known as mealworms, have emerged as a promising candidate in this...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-11-01
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| Series: | Foods |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/23/4223 |
| _version_ | 1797400186854572032 |
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| author | Konstantina Kotsou Theodoros Chatzimitakos Vassilis Athanasiadis Eleni Bozinou Christos G. Athanassiou Stavros I. Lalas |
| author_facet | Konstantina Kotsou Theodoros Chatzimitakos Vassilis Athanasiadis Eleni Bozinou Christos G. Athanassiou Stavros I. Lalas |
| author_sort | Konstantina Kotsou |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The utilization of alternative and sustainable food sources has garnered significant interest as a means to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae, commonly known as mealworms, have emerged as a promising candidate in this context, as they are a rich source of nutrients and can be reared with relatively low resource input. This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the diverse range of food products developed using <i>T. molitor</i> larvae and the distinctive properties they bestow on these products. The review encompasses an exploration of the nutritional composition of the larvae, emphasizing their rich protein content, balanced amino acid profile, fatty acids with health benefits, vitamins, and minerals. It delves into how these attributes have been harnessed to enhance the nutritional value of a variety of food items, ranging from protein-rich snacks and energy bars to pasta, bakery goods, etc. Each of these applications is discussed with regard to how <i>T. molitor</i> larvae contribute to the nutritional content and sensory characteristics of the final product. Furthermore, this review sheds light on the innovative techniques and processing methods employed to incorporate <i>T. molitor</i> larvae into different food matrices. It addresses challenges related to taste, texture, and appearance that have been encountered and the strategies devised to overcome related problems. Overall, this comprehensive review elucidates the diverse food products that have been developed utilizing <i>T. molitor</i> larvae as a key ingredient. Highlighting the nutritional, sensory, and sustainability aspects of these products, this review offers valuable insights to harness the potential of this alternative protein source to meet the evolving needs of modern food systems. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T01:51:55Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7953b64b2f334fe1a06d8f1c6f291c4d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2304-8158 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T01:51:55Z |
| publishDate | 2023-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Foods |
| spelling | doaj.art-7953b64b2f334fe1a06d8f1c6f291c4d2023-12-08T15:15:22ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582023-11-011223422310.3390/foods12234223Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive ReviewKonstantina Kotsou0Theodoros Chatzimitakos1Vassilis Athanasiadis2Eleni Bozinou3Christos G. Athanassiou4Stavros I. Lalas5Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, GreeceDepartment of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, GreeceDepartment of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, GreeceDepartment of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, GreeceLaboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446 Volos, GreeceDepartment of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Thessaly, Terma N. Temponera Str., 43100 Karditsa, GreeceThe utilization of alternative and sustainable food sources has garnered significant interest as a means to address the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> larvae, commonly known as mealworms, have emerged as a promising candidate in this context, as they are a rich source of nutrients and can be reared with relatively low resource input. This review article presents an in-depth analysis of the diverse range of food products developed using <i>T. molitor</i> larvae and the distinctive properties they bestow on these products. The review encompasses an exploration of the nutritional composition of the larvae, emphasizing their rich protein content, balanced amino acid profile, fatty acids with health benefits, vitamins, and minerals. It delves into how these attributes have been harnessed to enhance the nutritional value of a variety of food items, ranging from protein-rich snacks and energy bars to pasta, bakery goods, etc. Each of these applications is discussed with regard to how <i>T. molitor</i> larvae contribute to the nutritional content and sensory characteristics of the final product. Furthermore, this review sheds light on the innovative techniques and processing methods employed to incorporate <i>T. molitor</i> larvae into different food matrices. It addresses challenges related to taste, texture, and appearance that have been encountered and the strategies devised to overcome related problems. Overall, this comprehensive review elucidates the diverse food products that have been developed utilizing <i>T. molitor</i> larvae as a key ingredient. Highlighting the nutritional, sensory, and sustainability aspects of these products, this review offers valuable insights to harness the potential of this alternative protein source to meet the evolving needs of modern food systems.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/23/4223Tenebrionidaeedible insectsfood additivefood productsnutritional enrichment |
| spellingShingle | Konstantina Kotsou Theodoros Chatzimitakos Vassilis Athanasiadis Eleni Bozinou Christos G. Athanassiou Stavros I. Lalas Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review Foods Tenebrionidae edible insects food additive food products nutritional enrichment |
| title | Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Innovative Applications of <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> Larvae in Food Product Development: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | innovative applications of i tenebrio molitor i larvae in food product development a comprehensive review |
| topic | Tenebrionidae edible insects food additive food products nutritional enrichment |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/23/4223 |
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