Beyond Traditional Proteins: Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) as a Versatile and Sustainable Resource for Animal and Human Nutrition

Given the rapid global population growth, traditional protein sources face significant challenges. Among alternative protein sources, insects stand out as one of the most promising options for meeting future global protein demands. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have attracted particular attention due to their remarkable ability to efficiently convert low-value organic substrates. This review paper focuses on the research trend, biology and traits as well as structural blueprint of BSFL. Research trend showed a remarkable attention to BSFL protein in the last five years as the number of publications about BSFL protein increased from ۵۶ in ۲۰۲۰ to ۲۶۳ in ۲۰۲۵. It is notably rich in lysine, leucine, and valine, making it a powerful tool for the fortification of nutrient-deficient staple cereal flours. Furthermore, the presence of bioactive molecules like lauric acid and chitin provides nutraceutical benefits, including antimicrobial properties and the potential to enhance intestinal health and immune function in both humans and animals. Properties such as solubility, emulsifying ability, foaming capacity, gelling behavior, and water and oil binding directly influence texture, stability, mouthfeel, and overall product quality. Understanding these characteristics enables researchers to predict the suitability of proteins for specific applications and to optimize processing conditions to enhance functionality without compromising nutritional value.

Keywords:

Alternative protein , Black soldier fly larvae , Amino acid , Circular economy