Several insect species are mass produced for animal feeds, fish bait, or human consumption. The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is one of the more-popular insects considered for this use. To make T. molitor competitive with more-traditional protein sources, mass production must be optimized. Herein, we review the scientific literature on the range and optimal environmental, physical, and dietary conditions for the rearing T. molitor. Our review identified that: (a) the optimum temperature for T. molitor growth is 25–28°C; (b) T. molitor larval growth rate is greatest at ≥70% relative humidity (RH) with an optimum range between 60–75% RH, and; (c) optimal growth is achieved with diets containing 5–10% yeast, 80–85% carbohydrate, and the addition of B-complexvitamins.

The research and development of alternatives to meat (including fish) and dairy products for human consumption have been increasing in recent years. In the context of these alternatives, there is a diversity of products such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, pulses, algae, seeds, nuts and insects. Apart from these, some products require new technical processes such as needed by milk drink alternatives, mycoprotein and meat, cheese and fish analogues. The aim of these analogues is to mimic the physical and organoleptic properties of animal origin products through fibrous composition and mix of ingredients from vegetable sources using adequate technology, which allow providing similar texture and flavor. Using a narrative approach to review literature, the objectives of this paper are to systematize the arguments supporting the adoption of meat, eggs and dairy alternatives, to identify the diversity of alternatives to these products on the market, including the related technological processes, and to project the challenges that the food industry may face soon. From a total of 302 scientific papers identified in databases, 186 papers were considered. More research papers on products associated with alternatives to milk were found. Nevertheless, there are products that need more research as analogues to meat and dairy products. A general scheme that brings together the main reasons, resources and challenges that the food industry faces in this promising area of alternatives to meat and dairy products is presented.

Among the insect species reared as alternative protein sources, Hermetia illucens (black soldier Fly, BSF) has shown a huge potential mostly due to its high protein content, its bioconversion rates, and versatility in using different feeding substrates. Insect rearing may use continuous or batch feeding regimes and, among the used substrates, supermarket feedstock waste has gained recent interest under a circular economy perspective, but several uncertainties remain regarding the heterogeneity and the potential effects of the quantity and quality of these substrates on BSF larvae (BSFL) development. In this experimental work, five replicates of a hundred BSFL were fed in a continuous feeding regime, using seven different isolated vegetables as substrates (wheat bran, pumpkin, apple, grape pomace, red onion, red cabbage, and spinach), at three different temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and two substrate moisture conditions (natural and 70% substrate moisture), until 50% of the larvae achieved the prepupal stage. BSFL performance and bioconversion parameters were evaluated. Our results show that some substrates should be avoided when rearing Hermetia illucens on feedstocks. Among these, apple feed led to poorer and slower development performances with more than 100 days of larval stage, while grape pomace and spinach showed higher mortality rates, which may be due to some anti-nutritional compounds. Larvae fed on pumpkin, red cabbage, and red onion presented good bioconversion results with higher values of efficiency of conversion of digested feed between 14.4 and 25. This work delivers relevant results for black soldier fly reared on a continuous feeding system using vegetable feedstock substrates and their potential trade-offs.

Abstract:  The main objective of this review is to summarize the present state of knowledge of different ways of processing cod, giving emphasis to salting, drying, and desalting steps. As an introduction, a description of the main characteristics of the Gadidae family and cod species, the general chemical composition of fresh cod, and a reference to farmed cod is included. Statistics on world fishery and aquaculture cod production are also reviewed. It is expected that this review will contribute to build a current picture of the technical and scientific knowledge on the cod processing situation, helping to move forward and to support future developments in this important seafood industry.