High protein content, which includes all essential amino acids, the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, make both insects and meat highly nutritious.
The comparative analysis carried out on the composition of the meat of slaughtered animals and insects cannot conclude unequivocally that insects have a higher nutritional value, because the content of individual nutrients varies significantly in both meat and insects.
However, it can be seen that some of the analyzed edible insect species have a higher energy value than meat from slaughter animals and higher content of protein, fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol. However, the content of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, thiamine, niacin, cobalamin, and iron is lower. Insects, regardless of the species and form of development, are characterized by a higher content of tocopherol, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, copper, and manganese than meat. Contrary to meat, they are also a source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Knowledge of nutrients and the amounts in which they occur in various kinds of meat and species of insects can be used, among other things, to plan and prepare meals with the correct contents of nutrients. It may foster a change in eating habits and lead to a general improvement in human health. This knowledge can enrich the daily ration of those nutrients whose supply is too low in comparison to recommended values.
The acquired knowledge indicates that edible insects are a valuable food product. Their widespread use in the human diet may help solve the problem of global malnutrition.