Bugs have just moved a step closer to European menus as the dried yellow mealworm (the larval form of the mealworm beetle) has been proved to be safe for human consumption in both its whole form and as a powder additive.

The EU’s Food Watchdog Approval

2021 has a promising start with European Union’s food watchdog announcement on mealworms consumption, ruling on an application by French insect farmer EAP Group SAS – Micronutris, now known as Agronutris.

Having the EU Food Safety Authority’s opinion is definitely an important step before officials consider approving sales of protein bars, snacks, cookies, and other foods containing bugs as ingredients.

Farming Bugs as a Growing Business

Researchers predict that the bugs farming business will thrive with over $4.1 billion globally by 2025. Bugs are emerging as a more sustainable source of protein because of their lower environmental impact and high nutritional value.

Funding Bugs

There are another 14 pending applications for bugs that still need more research as the EU watchdog also shared that allergic reactions are possible. This makes Europe the forefront of the insect-farming startup scene, identifying bugs as part of its sustainable food agenda.

Bugs Might Be the Solution to Feeding the World

The European authorities have poured a lot of money into research and factories. The bloc already allows dogs, cats, and fish to eat insect meals.

The solution to feeding the world with bugs is not as literate as it may sound. Feeding animals, rather than humans is the real answer to that issue. Europe has projected an output of 3 million tons of insect protein in 2030 with only 10% going into human food. The rest is planned to going into animal feed by a Brussels-based lobby group estimate.

There are clearly a lot of opportunities to work with new sustainable ingredients for the animal feed industry, and bugs are one of the most promising sources. In fact, several EU states including Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium already permit sales of bug-containing foods in stores.

We know that some foods are more expensive than others, but these global restaurants have taken te meaning of expensive to a whole new level. Get your wallets ready, these are the most expensive dishes in the world.

Fleurburger 5000 – $5,000

You can get a burger for $2 in some places, but the Fleurburger 5000 isn’t your regular burger. The Fleurburger will set you back $5,000 at Fleur in Las Vegas. It’s made with Wagyu beef and is topped with truffles and foie gras.

Beluga’s Almas Caviar – $9,884

Beluga’s is the only caviar-dedicated restaurant in Dubai, and it serves $9,884 Almas caviar, which is the most expensive in the world. The 24-karat golden cigar it is served with costs $422, with the rest of the price just caviar.

Louis XIII Pizza – $12,000

The Louis XII Pizza by Renato Viola will set you back $12,000. It comes with three different types of caviar, seven different cheeses, and an expensive version of lobster shipped from Norway.

Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence – $14,500

Sri Lanka’s Fortress Resort and Spa offers the Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence, otherwise known as the most expensive dessert in the world. For $14,500, diners can enjoy handmade chocolate, gold leaf, and a Champagne sauce. On the side is an 80-karat aquamarine stone that really bumps the price of this dish up.

Grand Velas Taco – $25,000

Tacos in Mexico can be pretty cheap if you know where to get them. Mexico is also where you will find the most expensive taco in the world, at $25,000. It’s served by the Grand Velas Los Cabos Resort and features Kobe beef, Beluga caviar, and truffle Brie cheese.

If you’ve been looking for something expensive to splash out on, then why not remortgage your home and dine out on these dishes. You won’t have anything to show for it, but your tastebuds will always remember the most expensive dishes in the world.