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A Derbyshire firm is helping fans of ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here to set up their own Bush Tucker trials - by selling creepy crawly snacks.

The company Crunchy Critters, based in Ilkeston, sells a range of different bugs and insects, which have been sourced from across the world.

The firm's founder and director of the venture, Nick Cooper, was inspired to start his business after watching the iconic show.

He has said that more and more people are trying its range of edible bugs - and believes that insects could be the answer to future food production challenges.

The business sells critters including dehydrated mealworms, crickets, locusts, ants and grasshoppers through its website.

But some of them come in different flavours. For example, Crunchy Critters sells chapulines (a type of grasshopper) in both chilli and garlic flavours.

It also sells crickets that come in a choice of flavours, such as salt and vinegar or cheese and onion. And it also sells flour made from crickets that can be used in baking.

And the firm’s website also has a list of recipe ideas for cooking with bugs such as Crunchy Critters cocktail, cricket kofta patties, critter burgers, ant-y-cheese biscuits, cricket carrot cake and chocolate ant truffles.

Before being sold, the bugs are cleansed, quick frozen, boiled, dehydrated (or fried) and seasoned.

According to Mr Cooper, since founding the business in 2012, it has grown year-on-year by 25%.

He said: “I actually got the idea for the business after watching I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Watching the Bush Tucker trials, where the celebrities have to eat bugs, like many people I wondered what they tasted like. I then thought there might be some mileage in making a business out of it.

“I started off very small. I ran the business from home and initially had one supplier. Today, we have our own premises and source edible insects from all over the world.”

Mr Cooper accepts that while some people might shy away from eating bugs, he believes there is a growing number of people who are overcoming their fears.

He said: “We sometimes exhibit at certain events and give out free samples for people to try.

"At the beginning, some people are adamant they won’t like them. They try one and are pleasantly surprised. They then have another!

“The ones who are particularly eager to try them are children. They don’t seem to have the fear of some adults. I think that bodes well for the future - not just of my business, but the future of food production.”

It's estimated that by 2050 the world will be home to nine billion people, meaning current food production will need to almost double.

As the population grows, there's been a real push to look at sources of food - particularly protein - other than traditional meat and fish.

Eating insects is said to be one way of meeting this challenge because they are environmentally sustainable, nutritious and can be harvested relatively cheaply and easily in the right conditions.

Mr Cooper said: “Insects can be used an ingredient in things like burgers as they are high in protein. It would mean a healthier burger because it would contained less fat.

“But to succeed it needs the big food manufacturers to embrace the concept.”

In the meantime, Mr Cooper is encouraged by his growing sales - 90% of which are to UK customers.

He said: “We certainly see a spike in orders around Halloween - and around Christmas. But in particular we do see an increase when I’m a Celebrity is on the telly!

“We also supply to schools, which is really encouraging because it is educating children about insects as food.”

As for Mr Cooper, he practices what he preaches and eats the insects himself.

He said: “I have two favourites - the queen leafcutter ants, which have a salty bacon flavour and the chilli chapulines, which go really nicely with a pint!”

poll loading Would you ever eat a dead insect? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Why not. I'd give it a go! How bad can it be?! Absolutely not. No. Never. I've actually already tried them - and loved them I've actually already tried them - and HATED them

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