On January 21, 2025, according to the EU Official Gazette, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2025/89, which approved UV-treated powder of whole yellow mealworm as a new food for use in cheese, jam, bread and other foods in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
This regulation will take effect on the 20th day from the date of publication. The introduction of this regulation marks that insect protein has officially entered the European table and has become an important part of the sustainable food system.
Yellow mealworm larvae powder is rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, and chitin. Its breeding process is efficient, low-carbon, and low-water consumption, which is in line with the core goals of the EU's "Farm to Fork" strategy. However, the introduction of this regulation was not smooth sailing, and the public response was mixed.
Public response: from "insect fear" to "sustainable future"
For many years, the EU has been looking for meat substitutes and insists that the current meat consumption of EU citizens is too high.
Although EU officials emphasize the safety and nutritional value of mealworm larvae powder, the public response is polarized.
According to the BBC, some consumers strongly resist insect food, believing it to be "disgusting" or "unacceptable." However, many environmentalists and the younger generation support this innovation, believing that insect protein is the key to solving the global food crisis and climate change.
For example, a Dutch insect food company has successfully attracted a large number of young consumers through clever marketing strategies (such as incorporating insect powder into burgers and energy bars). At the same time, Deutsche Welle pointed out that EU legislation provides a clear regulatory framework for the insect food industry, which will help promote the standardized development of the market.
Despite mixed public reactions, it is undeniable that EU 2025/89 paves the way for the commercialization of insect protein. However, we will not discuss the public's reaction today, but instead focus on the far-reaching impact that this regulation may have on other industries.
Cosmetics industry: the "brave new world" of mealworm larvae powder
Although EU 2025/89 is mainly aimed at the food industry, its impact has long surpassed the food field. As a senior practitioner of cosmetic raw materials, I pay special attention to the potential application of mealworm larvae powder in cosmetics. In particular, the choice of raw materials is directly related to the efficacy, safety and sustainability of the product. Traditional cosmetic raw materials mostly rely on chemical synthesis or extraction from animals and plants, but these methods often have problems such as high energy consumption, environmental pollution or ethical disputes. The introduction of mealworm larvae powder provides a new bio-based raw material path for the cosmetics industry. Starting from the four major components of protein, chitin/chitosan, fat/fatty acid, vitamins and minerals, the author will compare the traditional process and the acquisition path of mealworm larvae powder to highlight the advantages of the new path.
(1) Protein: From chemical synthesis to bio-based extraction
Traditional process:
The protein in cosmetics is mostly derived from plants (such as soybeans and wheat) or animals (such as collagen). Plant protein extraction requires a lot of land and water resources and may involve genetically modified organisms. Animal protein (such as collagen) is usually extracted from animal tissues such as cattle and pigs, which has ethical disputes and potential safety risks (such as viral contamination). Although chemically synthesized protein is highly controllable, the production process consumes a lot of energy and may produce harmful by-products.
Mealworm larvae powder route:
The protein content in mealworm larvae powder is as high as 50%-60%, and the amino acid composition is similar to that of human skin, with excellent moisturizing and repairing functions. Through bio-based extraction, the energy consumption of mealworm protein production is much lower than chemical synthesis, and it does not rely on land resources. Waste (such as excrement) generated during insect breeding can be used as organic fertilizer to achieve resource recycling. It is highly safe and has no risk of virus contamination, which is in line with the trend of "clean beauty".
Advantage comparison:
Energy consumption: The land and water resources required for mealworm protein production are only 1/5 of those for plant protein, and it does not rely on the high energy consumption process of chemical synthesis.
Waste generation: Traditional protein extraction produces a large amount of chemical waste and greenhouse gases, while the mealworm route has almost zero waste and lower carbon emissions.
Safety: As an emerging raw material, insect protein meets consumers' demand for "clean labels" and sustainable products, and market acceptance is gradually increasing.
(2) Chitin/chitosan: from shrimp and crab shells to insect extraction
Traditional process:
Chitin and chitosan are usually extracted from the shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crab. The extraction process involves strong acid and alkali treatment, which produces a large amount of chemical waste liquid and causes serious environmental pollution. The source of raw materials is limited by fishery resources and may involve overfishing.
Mealworm larvae powder route:
Mealworm larvae powder is rich in chitin and can be extracted by mild enzymatic or microbial methods to reduce the use of chemical reagents. The source of chitin from insect farming is stable and not limited by seasons or fishery resources. The waste liquid generated during the extraction process is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Advantage comparison:
Raw material source: The source of mealworm chitin is sustainable and not limited by fishery resources.
Environmental impact: The traditional process produces a large amount of chemical waste liquid, while the waste liquid from the mealworm route is biodegradable.
Production cost: The cost of extracting chitin from insects is 20%-30% lower than that from crustaceans.
(3) Fats/fatty acids: from vegetable oils to insect fats
Traditional processes:
Fats in cosmetics are mostly derived from vegetable oils (such as olive oil and coconut oil) or animal fats (such as lanolin). Plant oil cultivation requires a lot of land and water resources and may involve pesticide residues. Animal fat extraction is ethically controversial and may carry allergens.
Mealworm larvae powder route:
The fat content in mealworm larvae powder is about 30%, rich in unsaturated fatty acids (such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid), and has excellent moisturizing and repairing functions. The insect fat extraction process is simple, energy-saving, and does not rely on land resources. Insect fat has high biocompatibility and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Advantage comparison:
Resource efficiency: The land required for mealworm fat production is only 1/10 of that for vegetable oil.
Safety: Insect fat has no pesticide residues and has a low risk of allergies.
Functionality: The fatty acid composition of insects is closer to human sebum, and the repair effect is better.
(4) Vitamins and minerals: from chemical synthesis to natural extraction
Traditional process:
Vitamins and minerals in cosmetics are mostly extracted through chemical synthesis or from plants. The chemical synthesis process is energy-intensive and may produce harmful byproducts. Plant extraction requires a lot of land and water resources and is limited by climatic conditions.
Mealworm larvae powder route:
Mealworm larvae powder is rich in vitamin B group, zinc, iron and other minerals, which can be obtained through a mild extraction process. The source of vitamins and minerals from insect farming is stable and is not limited by climate or land resources. The extraction process has no chemical residues and is highly safe.
Advantage comparison:
Energy consumption: The energy consumption of the mealworm route is 40%-60% lower than that of chemical synthesis.
Resource utilization: Insect farming has extremely low demand for land and water resources.
Safety: Natural extraction has no chemical residues and is more suitable for sensitive skin.
By comparing the traditional process with the acquisition path of mealworm larvae powder, we can clearly see that mealworm larvae powder has significant advantages in the field of cosmetic raw materials:
Biological raw materials: sustainable source, reducing dependence on land and water resources.
Safe production: no chemical residue, low risk of allergies, in line with the "clean beauty" trend.
Low energy consumption and low waste: low energy consumption in the production process, recyclable waste, and environmentally friendly.
From the perspective of sustainable development, the introduction of insect protein not only provides a new raw material option for the cosmetics industry, but also meets consumers' demand for "clean beauty" and "green ingredients". In the future, we may see more cosmetics brands that use insect ingredients as a selling point.
Bioplastics and degradable materials: the "green revolution" of mealworms
In addition to food and cosmetics, the core components of mealworm larvae powder, chitin and protein, also show great potential in the field of bioplastics and degradable materials.
Application of chitin:
Chitin is a natural high molecular polymer that can be made into bioplastics through chemical modification. This material is not only completely degradable, but also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. For example, chitin-based plastics can be used in food packaging, agricultural mulch and medical dressings to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Protein fiber:
The protein in mealworm larvae powder can be spun into fibers for making biodegradable textiles or 3D printing materials. This material has a much lower carbon footprint than synthetic fibers (such as nylon), which is in line with the goals of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan.
The EU Green Deal clearly states that it will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and promote the development of a circular economy. The application of mealworm larvae powder is a concrete manifestation of this strategy. By converting insect protein into bioplastics, it can not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also solve the problem of plastic pollution.
Environmental protection and waste management: the "double benefits" of mealworms
Another important application area of mealworm larvae powder is environmental protection and waste management. According to the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, reducing waste generation and improving resource utilization efficiency are key goals. Mealworms have shown unique advantages in this regard:
Organic waste conversion:
Mealworm larvae can efficiently decompose kitchen waste, agricultural waste and industrial by-products (such as brewer's grains) and convert them into high-value proteins and fats. This "waste-to-resource" model not only reduces the amount of landfill, but also creates economic value.
Plastic degradation:
Studies have shown that mealworm larvae can decompose plastics such as polystyrene (PS), and their intestinal microorganisms or enzymes can be used to develop new plastic recycling technologies. This discovery provides a potential biological solution to the global plastic pollution problem.
By applying mealworm larvae powder to the field of environmental protection, the EU can not only promote the development of the circular economy, but also contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Opportunities and risks: from the EU to China
The introduction of EU 2025/89 has brought huge opportunities to the global insect protein industry, but it is also accompanied by risks. The biggest challenge lies in public acceptance. Although the EU has paved the way for insect food through legislation, the promotion of insect food in China still faces cultural and socio-psychological barriers. For example, silkworm pupae or bee pupae have been eaten for many years in some parts of China, but the relevant legislation and regulatory framework are still blank.
However, in the long run, I see more opportunities. The policy support of mainland China in the fields of sustainable development and circular economy (such as the "14th Five-Year Plan") provides a broad space for the development of the insect protein industry. By learning from the EU's experience, China can speed up its pace in legislation, technology and market promotion to seize the commanding heights of this emerging field.
From food to cosmetics, from bioplastics to environmental protection, the potential of mealworm larvae powder is far beyond our imagination. EU 2025/89 is not only a food regulation, but also a catalyst for promoting green transformation in multiple industries. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of public awareness, mealworms and some other insect-based products may become an indispensable part of our lives. Let us wait and see how this "cross-border revolution" will change the world!
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About the author: Xiao Lu, private equity investment, partner of Quande International (Germany), focuses on European Startup incubation, buyer-seller analysis, including ESG integration analysis. Expert of the CSRD and CSDDD working group of the European Chemical Industry Association (CEFIC).
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