Frequently Asked Questions
We've been at this cricket thing for a little while and there are a few things that come up over and over again. So, we decided to answer them in one place.
Crickets
What kind of crickets are they?
Acheta Domesticus, or the Common House cricket. They are the same little brown crickets that you would find at the pet store or bait shop. While others utilize the robust banded cricket in their products, we believe in the superior flavor attributes of Acheta.
Where do you get them?
While others have opted to import their crickets from Canada or Southeast Asia, from a quality and supply-chain standpoint, that was something we were never interested in compromising on. Not being able to set foot on the farms where our crickets are raised and see, feel, touch, hear, simply wasn’t an option.
From the beginning, we’ve raised all of our own crickets. It started in the break room of Shelby’s dad’s shop, and grew from there. Eventually, she couldn’t do it alone, and she built a network of growers around the state of Iowa. We are incredibly proud to be the first and only network of growers raising crickets for human consumption in the Midwest.
Each grower has been taught to raise crickets on his/her farm by Shelby, personally. It’s certainly not the easy way, but we believe this is the best way to ensure the quality and sustainability of our product.
How do you raise them?
Each grower’s set-up is slightly different, but the basic principles are all the same. You can check out the YouTube Channel here to get a better idea of what the day to day of raising crickets is like.
What do you feed them?
Fancy chicken feed is the best way to describe it. It’s a non-GMO insect blend sourced just miles from the home farm. We are incredibly proud to be able to keep our supply chain small and local. Local supply chains are truly sustainable and better for everybody.
Growers are required to test their water at least biannually to ensure that it is up to EPA standards for drinking water.
How do you kill them?
Great question! No, we don’t gas them, smash them, chop off their heads (all suggestions heard over the years…). We freeze them. Very natural death that happens to all insects that don’t over-winter here in northern regions. They cool into hibernation, and eventually pass.
They’re dead, now what?
It’s time for processing! They’re cleaned and slowly dried for maximum flavor and nutrition. Once dried, they are either milled into a fine powder, or packaged and seasoned into your favorite roasted cricket flavors.
I want to raise crickets for Gym-N-Eat Crickets, how do I get more info?
Awesome. We would love to chat with you. Please email gymneatcrickets@gmail.com to get the process started.
Entomophagy
What is Entomophagy?
Entomophagy is the eating of insects, specifically by humans.
What kind of insects are eaten?
There are over 1,000 species of insects eaten around the world.
Who is eating them?
It is estimated that 80% of the world’s countries have entomophagy as part of their cuisine. Around ⅓ of the total world population practices entomophagy on a regular basis.
Why have I never heard of this?
Entomophagy is largely absent in the US, Canada, and Western Europe. Crickets are considered “the gateway bug” for most Westerners.
Nutrition
Why would I want to eat crickets?
Why not?! Just kidding. Kind of…
Crickets are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. They are high in quality, complete protein--including all nine essential amino acids. They are a good source of iron, calcium, B-12, omegas, and fiber. In addition, they take a fraction of the food, water, and land to produce the same amount of protein as traditional sources (beef, chicken, pork). They are good for you, and the planet!
Most importantly--They are DELICIOUS.
When should I eat crickets?
Anytime is a good time to incorporate crickets into your daily routine. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Snack. Pre-workout. Post-workout. Pre- and post-nap are also acceptable…
What’s the deal with the shellfish allergy?
Crickets are arthropods, meaning they are related to cretaceous shellfish (shrimp, lobster, and other sea bugs…). Because of this relationship, there is the possibility of a reaction.
Cricket Powder
What is it?
Crickets! Specifically, crickets that have been milled into a fine powder. That’s it. No fillers. No junk. Just crickets.
What does it taste like?
Cricket flour has a very mild taste, often described as slightly nutty. Because of the neutral taste profile, it has TONS of versatility in it’s uses. You can add a jump to the nutrition profile without impacting the overall flavor (see what I did there…)
How do you use it?
Mix it in smoothies, sauces, spices, batters, your favorite baked goods, the possibilities are ENDLESS.
We like to add a tablespoon or two to our morning smoothie or oatmeal. The real crowd pleaser is chocolate chirp cookies.
Head over to the News!, Facebook, or Instagram for more recipe ideas.
How do I store it?
Store in the sealed bag in a cool, dry place.
What’s the shelf-life?
One year.
Cricket Bars
What are they made of?
Real food! Isn’t that refreshing? An energy bar packed with nutrition, and not junk? The base of all the bars is: sunflower seeds, cricket powder, and dates. Then, we mix in dried fruit, spices, and other REAL ingredients. They’re wholesome and delicious without compromise.
Who makes them?
We do! They’re handmade and packaged in our fully licensed food processing facility in Collins, Iowa. A ton of love goes into these, and we think you’ll taste the difference.
How did you come up with flavors?
Trial and error, and believe me, they haven’t all been winners! Have an idea for a new flavor that you think we should launch? Drop us a note at gymneatcrickets@gmail.com
What’s the shelf-life?
With no preservatives and real, delicious, nutritious ingredients, the shelf-life for our bars is 9 months.
Roasted Crickets
How do you eat them?
One-by-one. By the handful. Head-first. However you want. They also go fantastically atop salads, eggs, pizza, stir-fry, and anything else that can use a boost of crunch and flavor.
What do they taste like?
The most common response from first timers is a cross between a sunflower seed and a corn nut. They have a light, crunchy texture that breaks apart easily in your mouth.
Where do you get your seasonings?
We mix them ourselves in house! It’s the only way we can make sure that we’re providing high quality flavor, free from junk and fillers. Our recipes are all labors of love that we think you’ll enjoy.
Any new flavors coming soon?
We are constantly experimenting with new flavors. Have an idea you think we should try? Send us a note at gymneatcrickets@gmail.com.
What is the shelf-life?
One year.
Orders
How do I pay for my order?
Once you’ve made your selection, click the “Pay with PayPal” button. You will be redirected to sign into your PayPal OR click the link below the login to pay with a credit or debit card. Please email gymneatcrickets@gmail.com if you have any issues.
Where do you ship?
Currently, US only. We are working on sorting out the whole international shipping thing. We’ll let you know when it’s up and running.
How do you ship?
USPS and UPS.
Can I pick up locally?
Absolutely! Simply select “Pick up in store or at farm” at checkout.
Do you offer returns?
With the product being food, and thus, perishable, we do not currently accept returns. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at gymneatcrickets@gmail.com
Can I order wholesale?
We are always looking for new wholesale partners. Please email gymneatcrickets@gmail.com and tell us a bit about your business!
Ambassadors and Sponsorship
Do you offer an ambassador program?
Currently, no, but we are working on it!
Can I be a sponsored athlete?
Currently, no, but we are working on it!