Cricket Powder

Q. I have seen protein bars that contain cricket powder. I realize that crickets are not kosher, but I was wondering if there is any reason to permit these bars, since bugs are nosain ta’am lifgam (impart a negative flavor)?

A. Shulchan Aruch and Rema (YD 107:2) write that flies and other repulsive insects are viewed as nosain ta’am lifgam (imparting a negative flavor). As such, they are nullified in a mixture with a simple majority, even without shishim (sixty parts kosher). The Netziv (Mirumei Sodeh AZ 68) explains that although insects might actually impart a positive taste into the food, they are viewed as negative, since most people are disgusted by the presence of such ingredients. However, cricket powder which is intentionally added as an ingredient cannot be considered repulsive. Cricket flour has a high protein content. It is described as having a mild nutty and earthy flavor, and some compare its taste to dried mushrooms or shellfish. Since it is inherently not bad tasting, cricket flour would only be nullified in sixty parts. Not only are these protein bars absolutely forbidden, but any utensils that were used to cook or process these bars require kashering as well.

______________________________________________________

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.