Protein
weaver ants and eggs.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
amroli poruared ant eggsweaver ant larvae
SERVING
CALORIES
121
PROTEIN
13.5g
CARBS
3.2g
FAT
6.1g
FIBER
1.5g
This ingredient is flagged as naturally gluten-free. Per 100 g, it provides 0 µg of vitamin K.
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories121kcal—
Protein13.5g27%
Carbohydrates3.2g1%
Fiber1.5g5%
Sugar0.50g1%
Total fat6.1g8%
Saturated fat1.8g9%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol45mg15%
Water75g—
MINERALS
Sodium50mg2%
Potassium250mg5%
Calcium40mg3%
Iron6.5mg36%
Magnesium35mg8%
Phosphorus180mg14%
Zinc2.5mg23%
Copper0.80mg89%
Manganese0.40mg17%
Selenium15µg27%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A10µg1%
Vitamin C2.0mg2%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0.50mg3%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.10mg8%
Riboflavin (B2)0.30mg23%
Niacin (B3)2.5mg16%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.60mg12%
Vitamin B60.10mg6%
Folate (B9)20µg5%
Vitamin B120.80µg33%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup140g
1 tablespoon8.8g
1 teaspoon2.9g
1 ml0.6g
1 liter583.3g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Excellent source of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth.
- ✓Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- ✓Considered a highly sustainable protein source with a lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1The ants provide a distinct tangy, citrus-like flavor due to formic acid, while the eggs are creamy and nutty.
- 2Commonly used in Southeast Asian salads (like Thai 'Yum Khai Mod Daeng'), soups, or stir-fries.
- 3Cook quickly over high heat to preserve texture. The eggs become firm and pop slightly, while the ants become crisp.
- 4Due to their sour taste, they can be used as a natural souring agent, reducing the need for lime or tamarind in some dishes.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- If fresh, consume immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Dried or canned weaver ants should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place like a pantry.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
How much protein is in weaver ants and eggs?
A 100g serving of weaver ants and eggs contains approximately 13.5g of protein. This is a complete protein source, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids required for muscle repair and growth.
What do weaver ants and eggs taste like?
The adult ants have a sharp, citrusy, and tangy flavor due to the formic acid they carry. In contrast, the eggs (larvae) are prized for their creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty profile, often compared to the texture of a soft-boiled egg or cottage cheese.
Are weaver ants and eggs keto-friendly?
Yes, they are excellent for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. With only 3.2g of carbohydrates and 6.1g of fat per 100g, they provide a high-protein, low-sugar energy source that fits well within keto macros.
Are weaver ants and eggs vegan or vegetarian?
No, weaver ants and eggs are not vegan or vegetarian as they are insects and belong to the animal kingdom. However, many people include them in 'entovegan' or 'flexitarian' diets because they are significantly more sustainable and ethical to produce than traditional livestock.
Are there any allergy risks associated with weaver ants?
Yes, individuals with shellfish or crustacean allergies should be cautious, as insects contain chitin which can trigger similar allergic reactions. It is best to consult an allergist if you have a known sensitivity to shrimp, crab, or lobster.
How do you store weaver ants and eggs?
Fresh weaver ants and eggs should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 to 48 hours. For longer storage, they can be frozen in airtight containers or dried, though freezing better preserves the creamy texture of the eggs.
Are weaver ants and eggs gluten-free?
In their natural state, weaver ants and eggs are 100% gluten-free. If purchasing them processed or in a restaurant, always check that no soy sauce, wheat-based thickeners, or breading were used during preparation.
Why are weaver ants considered a sustainable protein source?
Weaver ants have a very high feed-conversion efficiency and require minimal water and land compared to cattle or poultry. They produce negligible greenhouse gas emissions and can be harvested from existing fruit trees, providing a secondary income for farmers without damaging the ecosystem.
