The Influence of Food Waste Rearing Substrates on Black Soldier Fly Larvae Protein Composition: A Systematic Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is a viable option for countering the environment detriments caused by food waste and can provide a sustainable protein source to feed the growing global population. This systematic literature review investigated the impacts of various foodstuffs and food waste rearing substrates on the protein and amino acid composition of BSF larvae. From the 23 articles included, BSF larvae fed ‘Fish waste Sardinella aurita’ for two days produced the highest total protein content at 78.8% and rearing substrates ‘Fruit and vegetables’ reported the lowest protein content at 12.9% of the BSF total mass. However, variation in rearing and analytical methodologies between each study potential undermines the extent to which the rearing substrates may have influenced the overall protein content of BSF larvae, their application in nutrition is still in its infancy. ABSTRACT: The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) offers the potential to address two global challenges; the environmental detriments of food waste and the rising demand for protein. Food waste digested by BSF larvae can be converted into biomass, which may then be utilized for the development of value-added products including new food sources for human and animal consumption. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating the influence of food waste rearing substrates on BSF larvae protein composition. Of 1712 articles identified, 23 articles were selected for inclusion. Based on the results of this review, BSF larvae reared on ‘Fish waste Sardinella aurita’ for two days reported the highest total protein content at 78.8% and BSF larvae reared on various formulations of ‘Fruit and vegetable’ reported the lowest protein content at 12.9%. This review is the first to examine the influence of food waste on the protein composition of BSF larvae. Major differences in larval rearing conditions and methods utilized to perform nutritional analyses, potentially influenced the reported protein composition of the BSF larvae. While this review has highlighted the role BSF larvae in food waste management and alternative protein development, their application in nutrition is still in its infancy.