The aquaculture sector has seen significant growth recently but also faces sustainability challenges due to the use of fish meal and fish oil. This project explored the potential of using partially defatted Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) larvae meal (BSFL meal) as a sustainable alternative to fish meal in Sparus aurata diets. The trial was conducted with 132 fish reared in six tanks and fed two aquafeeds: a standard (CTRL) and an experimental (IF) in which fish meal was replaced (10%) with partially defatted BSFL meal. Fillets were analysed for chemical composition, elemental composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, primary and secondary oxidative products, cholesterol, pH and colour. Moreover, a panel of food experts (n = 26) was involved in a discrimination sensory test (duo–trio test) on raw and cooked fillets. The results showed no differences in chemical and physical analyses. The FA profile of IF was characterised by a significantly higher content of lauric acid (p-value 0.009) and myristic acid (p-value 0.049) than the CTRL ones. The panellists correctly identified the raw samples and found differences. On the other hand, only about 50% of the assessors correctly identified the cooked samples. The overall results suggest that partially defatted BSFL meal may represent a valid alternative for aquafeed production that could affect the sensory properties of raw fillets without altering their nutritional composition.

Edible insect farming represents a promising sector focused on producing sustainable and nutritional food and feed. Compared to conventionally farmed animals, insects are more sustainable, thanks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, efficient bioconversion, and minimal space requirements. These characteristics make edible insect farming remarkably eco-friendly: this concept aligns with the core principles of the organic supply chain. However, current organic regulations do not yet include insects. This review investigates various aspects of edible insect rearing to better understand how an “organic edible insect farm” could be established. Nine insect species that have been authorized as ingredients for the production of either food or feed were included, such as Hermetia illucens, Musca domestica, Tenebrio molitor, Alphitobius diaperinus, Locusta migratoria, Gryllodes sigillatus, Gryllus assimilis, Acheta domesticus, and Bombyx mori. Among the evaluated features of insect farming, insect welfare and the use of chemical substances (such as veterinary drugs and pesticides) are thoroughly examined in the literature review. These represent the most significant challenges given the scarce knowledge both on the well-being of insects, currently identified as non-sentient beings, and on the degradation and metabolism of drugs or pesticides that could harm the animals but also undermine consumer safety.