On Monday, Swiss retailer Coop introduced the new products at seven of its larger branches around the country: in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, Zurich and Winterthur. The insect burgers and balls – produced by Swiss start-up firm EssentoExternal link – are also available online via the Coop online storeExternal link.
The burgers feature a mix of mealworms, rice, vegetables like carrots and celery, and spices. The balls are made with mealworms, chick peas, onions, garlic and spices.
Selling insect products as food became legal in Switzerland on May 1. So far, three species are permitted: mealworms, crickets and grasshoppers. Proponents say in addition to their nutritional value, insects are far more sustainable than other types of meat.
Essento, based in Zurich, has published a cookbook with insect recipes, and the company hosts insect dinners and cookery courses. Coop is the first supermarket to sell insect-based foods.
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Insect eating goes legal in Switzerland
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Mealworms, crickets and grasshoppers can now be served up in restaurants and sold in supermarkets, thanks to new laws.
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Swiss get go-ahead to feast on creepy-crawlies
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From next spring Swiss foodies will be able to buy insects such as mealworms, crickets and locusts for consumption, after approval from the government.
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Changes to the food security laws, bringing Switzerland into line with the European Union, are expected to come into effect in the first six months of 2016. One proviso is that the insects on our plates must not be disguised. Processed foods containing insects will probably not be allowed. Up until now, mealworms, crickets and…
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However, the range of insects on offer is currently limited to these three species because of protein allergies and production conditions. A consultation period on commercialising the consumption of insects runs until October. At present, a permit is required to serve up insects, as has already been done at museum nights or at a buffet…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.