The FDA tweeted that people who have a seafood allergy should avoid eating cicadas. Like shrimp, lobster, and crab, cicadas are arthropods—or animals with an exoskeleton. Some lesser-known edible arthropods include options like crickets, ants, and grasshoppers.
But if munching on these seasonal bugs is your thing and you don’t have an allergy, you can feel free to enjoy these insects whichever way you choose.
Yes, Cicadas Are Nutritious
Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian, tells Verywell that cicadas, like other arthropods, can be a natural source of high-quality protein and other key nutrients.
While nutrition information specific to cicadas is limited, the science shows that many bugs provide:
CaloriesProteinFatIronZincMany vitamins
And thanks to their nutritional content and their ability to feed many people in an inexpensive and sustainable way, bugs are regularly eaten in diets around the world. Some evidence even suggests that certain bugs act as a prebiotic, which helps support a healthy microbiome.
“Although it’s totally understandable to scrunch your nose up at the idea of eating cicadas, many cultures have been doing so for centuries,” Thomason adds. “In fact, insects offer a unique, sustainable protein source as it uses far less land management than our traditional crops like peas, soy, and rice.”
What to Consider Before Eating Cicadas
All kinds of bugs can be part of a balanced diet. But when choosing bugs to eat, there are factors you should consider to keep yourself healthy and safe:
Make sure that the bugs have not been exposed to pesticides or unsanitary conditions before eating themBugs should be cooked before eaten to help rid the food of toxins If you have a confirmed or a suspected shellfish allergy, avoid eating cicadas
