Would you dare try the bushtucker trial menu?
From witchetty grubs to crickets, kangaroo tails and even fish eyeballs, the I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Buchtucker Trial menu might make your stomach churn, but it turns out these wild foods provide more nutritional value than you may think.
When compared to everyday British staples like beef, chicken, rice and beans, many of the insects and meats featured on the show are surprisingly nutrient-dense, high in protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. here, we break down the nutritional value of the bushtucker menu – and it might just have you considering a new protein snack.
Comparative Nutritional Values (per 100g)
Witchetty Grubbs
Crickets
Crocodile
Kangaroo tail
Beef
Chicken
Rice
Beans
Breaking down the stats
Witchetty Grubs
A traditional delicacy for some Indigenous Australians, witchetty grubs pack around 15g of protein per 100g.
They supposedly have a nutty flavour when eaten raw, and taste similar to scrambled eggs when cooked.
Crickets
Surprisingly, crickets are one of the most efficient sources of animal protein, boasting a staggering 69g of protein per 100g, more than double that of chicken.
They also provide essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Crickets also are rich in fibre, which most traditional meats lack.
Crocodile
Crocodile meat is lean, light and high in protein, with just 1.5g of fat per 100g, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-fat, high protein diet. It’s also a source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Kangaroo Tail
Kangaroo tail is another nutrient-packed meat, delivering 24g of protein per 100g with very little fat. It’s also high in iron and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which contributes to supporting heart health and metabolism.
Fish Eyeballs
Fish eyeballs are a common delicacy in Asian cuisine, especially in Japan and China. They are often seasoned and enjoyed alongside rice or noodles. Surprisingly, eyeballs are a great source of protein, and are high in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
They also contain Vitamin A, which is important for eye health, as well as minerals like zinc, which is crucial for immune function and metabolic processes.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches could be your favourite new protein snack, as they contain over 10g of protein per 100g serving. The insects also contain essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, as well as important vitamins like B12.
The conclusion
While many of the foods featured in the bush tucker trials seem extreme to our Western palate, research highlights just how surprisingly nutrient-dense these dishes are. Insects and unconventional meats can offer impressive levels of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, often surpassing some of the everyday staples we’re familiar with.
It will certainly be interesting to see how this year’s I’m a Celebrity campmates react when they discover how beneficial some of these so-called ‘creepy crawlies’ really are.
Register today to join Britain's biggest online bingo community
What are you waiting for? If you're ready to be welcomed into the friendliest online bingo community in the UK, register with us today. Pick your username and sit back while we check your details.
Once your account is confirmed, you're free to join any of our chat rooms or play your first game. Come see what all the fuss is about and register today.