After doing research in Finland, the foremost frontier in edible insect research, the team behind MUJI Korogi Senbei wanted to make a product that took advantage of the incredible protein content insects provide. Made by mixing cricket meal with rice, MUJI Korogi Senbei tastes good enough to have you reaching for another as soon as you’ve crunched one down.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization also recommends insect meal as an alternative to traditional livestock, boasting significantly less water and land usage. Insects also require a fraction of the food and breed much more quickly.

Crickets, in particular, were picked for this project due to their ability to breed quickly and thrive in Japanese conditions. The crickets used in MUJI Korogi Senbei are special “Futahoshi crickets”; while normally a primarily tropical breed, these are raised in a totally hygienic and sanitary laboratory environment. They have kept the cricket breeding domestic as well, to ensure a safe supply system of food and get closer to MUJI’s goal of self-sustainability.

This is not a product where the crickets are hidden: rather, the taste is made front and center, for a unique treat you and your guests will be awed by! Currently only available to pre-order online due to COVID-19, only those following MUJI on social media will be privy to the secret release date, but act fast-- once they’re gone, they’re gone.

One 55 gram bag of Korogi Senbei goes for 190 yen plus tax. Note that if you are allergic to shellfish or shrimp products, do not eat Korogi Senbei: there are similar chemical compounds.

Take a bag home and shock your friends -- or shock yourself with how much you want more!