Utilizing Insects to Convert Waste Into Nutrients for Sustainable Feed and Food Production

ABSTRACT The growing demand for sustainable protein sources has accelerated interest in utilizing insects to convert organic waste into high‐value nutrients for feed and food production. Insects, particularly black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, crickets, and houseflies, efficiently bioconvert agricultural, food, and industrial by‐products into nutrient‐rich biomass containing proteins, essential amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. In animal nutrition, insect‐derived meals and oils serve as eco‐friendly alternatives to fishmeal and soybean meal, enhancing growth performance, gut health, and feed efficiency in aquaculture, poultry, swine, and pet food sectors. For human consumption, edible insects provide protein‐rich flours and functional compounds with the potential to address malnutrition while reducing environmental footprints. Additionally, insect farming supports circular economy principles by closing nutrient loops, reducing waste, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Regulatory approval and consumer acceptance are expanding, highlighting insects as a promising pathway toward resilient, resource‐efficient, and sustainable food systems worldwide. The safety of insects employed in the production of feed and food should be a priority in order to be successfully implemented in the contemporary supply chains. Among the key safety consideration points are microbial contamination, chemical residues, allergenicity, and environmental risk related to the rearing conditions. The insect‐based ingredients can be safely and reliably made through good quality hygiene, controlled substrates, and processing to serve global feed and food systems.