Zipair becomes first Japanese air carrier to offer crickets on menu

Zipair Tokyo Inc. became the first in Japan to feature cricket-based meals for its new onboard specialties in the name of sustainability.

Cricket is a rich source of protein and other nutrients.

Pasta Pescatore and a chili burger with tomato topping are two of the available entrees. Each will cost 1,500 yen, or $11, to serve.

Two-spotted crickets are processed into gryllus powder, which is then added to tomato sauce or burger patties and bread to form these recipes.

According to representatives of Zipair's planning and marketing division, the crickets provide the dishes "an enticing flavor matching that of crustacean shells."

The novel dishes were created by Zipair, a Narita-based company, in collaboration with Gryllus Inc., a Tokushima University-affiliated company that raises edible insects in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture.

Zipair hopes that promoting cricket-based food, would not only solve issues of dietary health and food sustainability but also help the U.N. Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

On foreign flights from Japan's Narita Airport to Bangkok, Singapore, Honolulu, and Los Angeles, passengers can make reservations for meals.