Utilizing honeybee drone brood as a protein source for food products: Life cycle assessment of apiculture in Germany

Abstract

Livestock derived proteins are associated with many environmental problems. A potential solution could be to increase the attractiveness of insects as food ingredient in Western countries. To promote the consumption of insects in Germany, the use of drone brood stemming from the widely accepted honeybee (Apis mellifera) could be key. Drone brood is a particularly promising edible resource, as many beekeepers regularly discharge it to minimize the destructive Varroa mite. This research aims to analyze the different steps in utilizing drone brood as a food ingredient and its detailed life cycle assessment as a by-product of honey production and pollination. Comparing the environmental impact of fresh, extracted drone brood (DB) on a protein-basis to meat, much lower values were shown for land use. In the case of global warming potential (GWP), the impact was similar to chicken meat. It also requires less land than mealworms, but GWP and energy use of drone brood were higher. The prototype trials via cooking extrusion revealed that expanded texturized insect protein processed with drone brood and soy concentrate would be a promising protein-rich snack (66% protein content). It could also serve as a meat replacer for patties with better results for land use and fossil fuel depletion and slightly lower or similar GWP, compared to mealworm-containing patties. The impact of honey production can be reduced by 8% if DB is allocated as a by-product of honey and utilized for innovative food products.