Sustainable Food Innovation: Mealworm Powder, a New EU-Approved Novel Food

Mealworm powder now approved throughout the EU – use the potential for your product innovations!

The recent approval by the European Commission opens up exciting new perspectives for sustainable food innovation. 
(Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/89)

Why Mealworm Powder Is a Real Innovation

Nutritional and Environmental Advantages

This innovative novel food, derived from the larvae of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) and enriched with vitamin D3 through UVB irradiation, combines nutritional richness with sustainability—making it an ideal ingredient for future-focused product development.

It offers:

• High-quality protein with all essential amino acids
• Beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Rich levels of iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins
• Added value through vitamin D3 enrichment

From a sustainability standpoint, mealworm powder requires minimal land and water compared to traditional livestock and has a significantly lower carbon footprint.

As consumers increasingly look for nutritious, sustainable, and innovative foods, mealworm powder is emerging as a key solution. It helps manufacturers tap into the growing demand for alternative proteins and functional foods, opening access to new market opportunities.

Versatile Applications for the Food Industry

Thanks to its functional and nutritional profile, UV-treated mealworm powder is ideal for various product categories:

• Baked goods: breads, cookies, rolls
• Pasta products: noodles, gnocchi
• High-protein snacks: bars, crackers
• Meat alternatives and convenience items
• Functional foods: smoothies, nutritional powders, enriched formulations

With the rising demand for alternative proteins and innovation in food tech, mealworm-based ingredients open the door to sustainable differentiation.

Mérieux NutriSciences: Your Partner for Safe and Compliant Integration

We help you bring novel foods like Tenebrio molitor powder to market with full regulatory and technical support. Our services include:

Benefit now from this innovation boost. Let us help you bring new, sustainable, and nutrient-rich products to the market.

Regulatory Reference

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/89 of January 20, 2025

Authorizing the marketing of UV-treated powder made from whole Tenebrio molitor larvae (yellow mealworm) as a novel food.