Quality variation of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) powder from Thai farms: Chemical composition, micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and microbiological safety

This study assessed the quality of house cricket (<i>Acheta domesticus</i>) powders sourced from three farms in Thailand, focusing on composition, bioactive compounds, and microbiological safety. The powders contained high protein (59-60 g/100 g DW), lipids (19-20 g/100 g DW), and essential amino acid index (EAAI) values of 0.96-1.02. Linoleic acid was the main fatty acid (27.55-30.21 %). Mineral contents varied greatly: potassium (8424-12,095 mg/kg DW), phosphorus (6728-9753 mg/kg DW), calcium (1278-1799 mg/kg DW), and zinc (137-215 mg/kg DW). Tocopherols (α-, δ- and γ-tocopherol) and γ-oryzanol were found in all samples. There were slight variations (5-18 %) of antioxidant properties indicated by TPC, TFC, DPPH and FRAP values among the farms. All samples comply with heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury and tin) and microbiological safety standards. These findings support the potential of house cricket powder as a nutrient-rich and sustainable protein source suitable for future food applications, regardless of farm origin.