Insects could give meaty flavour to alternative foods, study finds

Mealworms can be prepared to taste like corn, shrimp and meat, according to a new study

Mealworms are commonly eaten as snacks around the world (Getty Images)

Eating insects could be a healthy alternative to eating meat and can even taste similar, according to a new study.

Researchers from South Korea found that mealworms have similar genetic compounds when cooked to the ones formed in meat and seafood, and could have a ‘meat-like’, savoury taste.

“Insects are a nutritious and healthy food source with high amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and high-quality protein, which is like that of meat,” says principal investigator De Hee Cho, the project’s principal investigator.