Why Insect Snacks Aren’t That Weird After All

Let’s be honest: when most people in Singapore hear “insect snacks,” their first reaction is usually pause… then no thanks.

But that reaction has less to do with logic, and more to do with habit.

Around the world, insects aren’t a novelty, a dare, or a TikTok stunt. They’re just food. Normal food. Nutritious, protein-rich, everyday snacks that people have eaten for generations.

So maybe the real question isn’t “Why would anyone eat insect snacks?”

It’s “Why do we think it’s weird in the first place?”

Cultures That Already Snack on Insects

Insects have been part of traditional diets long before protein bars, whey shakes, or plant-based “alternatives” existed.

In Thailand, crispy fried crickets and silkworm pupae are common street snacks, sold next to popcorn and peanuts. In Mexico, chapulines (seasoned grasshoppers) are sprinkled on tacos and enjoyed with beer. In Japan, dishes like inago no tsukudani (sweet-savory grasshoppers) have been eaten for centuries. Across Africa and Latin America, insects are a reliable, affordable protein source, especially in rural communities.

Globally, more than 2 billion people consume insects as part of their regular diet.

That’s not a fringe movement. That’s most of the world.

What is unusual is pretending that protein can only come from cows, soybeans, or processed powders, especially when those systems are increasingly strained.

If you’re curious about why insects are nutritionally legitimate (not just culturally accepted), we break it down in detail in our guide on cricket protein vs whey and soy.

The Singapore Food Scene Loves Boldness

Singaporeans are some of the most adventurous eaters on the planet, just selectively so.

We queue for mala that numbs our mouths. We argue passionately about sambal levels. We eat fermented foods, century eggs, durian, pig intestines, bitter gourd, frogs, stingrays and raw fish without batting an eye.

Yet when insects enter the conversation, suddenly the line gets drawn.

That contradiction is interesting.

Singapore’s food culture isn’t conservative, it’s curated by routine. We stick to what we grew up with. What’s familiar. What feels “safe.” Not because it’s objectively better, but because it’s normal.

That’s exactly where insect snacks sit today: outside the routine.

And that’s also why they’re gaining attention globally, not as a gimmick, but as a smarter evolution of snacking. High protein. Minimal processing. Efficient production. Less waste.

At HexaCrunch®, we don’t sell “bugs.” We make bold, modern snacks that just happen to use cricket protein, because it works. If you want to understand who we are and why we built the brand this way, you can read our story on the About Us page.

Weird Is Relative, Routine Is the Real Problem

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: What we call “weird” is usually just something we haven’t repeated enough times.

Energy drinks were weird once. Sushi was weird. Protein powder was weird. Even oat milk was laughed at, not that long ago.

Routine is powerful. It keeps us comfortable. It also keeps us stuck.

Most snacks today are engineered to be easy, forgettable, and nutritionally empty. You eat them without thinking, and forget them just as quickly. That’s not indulgence. That’s autopilot.

Insect-based snacks challenge that autopilot.

Not because they’re extreme, but because they ask a simple question: What if your snack actually did something for you?

Cricket protein is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids, along with naturally occurring micronutrients like iron and vitamin B12. And unlike many ultra-processed protein snacks, it doesn’t rely on artificial fortification to look impressive on a label.

If you want the science behind why cricket protein holds its own against conventional sources, our in-depth breakdown is here: Cricket Protein vs Whey & Soy.

Weird? Nah. Welcome to the New Normal.

Insect snacks aren’t about shock value. They’re not about survivalism, stunts, or showing off.

They’re about rethinking what normal looks like, especially in a world where food systems need to be smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.

At HexaCrunch®, we believe bold choices don’t have to feel extreme. They just need to make sense.

That’s why our snacks are crunchy, familiar, and unapologetically flavour-first. No weird textures. No insect shapes. No gimmicks. Just real snacks, made better.

If you’re ready to step slightly outside your routine (without sacrificing taste), you can explore our full range on the HexaCrunch® product page. 

Weird is relative. Routine is optional. And the new normal? It crunches.