Modulating the nutritional value of Acheta domesticus (house cricket) through the eco-sustainable Ascophyllum nodosum dietary supplementation

Acheta domesticus , commonly known as the house cricket, is widely consumed due to its significant content of high-quality proteins, and essential nutrients. However, its lipid profile, rich in saturated fatty acids, presents health concerns. This study aimed to produce crickets with a reduced saturated fatty acid content and an enriched profile of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, compared to crickets currently available on the food market. For this purpose, Acheta domesticus was fed a diet enriched with 20 % and 40 % of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum . AN supplementation significantly reduced AD weight, yield (total cricket per crate) and feed conversion ratio, whereas it had no effect on the survival rate. Results showed that seaweed-enriched diets significantly decreased the lipid content, while reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing unsaturated fatty acids content in crickets fed seaweed-enriched diets compared to the control group, making these species a more nutritious and wholesome resource. Additionally, crickets maintained a high protein content with amino acid profile meeting essential amino acid requirements. Overall, the nutritional quality indices indicated that house crickets fed an eco-friendly diet provided optimal values for both fatty acids and amino acids profile. • Use of the eco-sustainable Ascophyllum nodosum as supplement for cricket’s diet. • Significant decrease in the total lipid content and a high protein content in crickets. • High quality fatty acid profile and amino acids composition of crickets. • Performance limitations still allowed acceptable growth in crickets. • Improvement of nutritional profile, making crickets a healthier food source.