Orthopterans are a type of insect that includes grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets. Like all insects, they are part of the same group of animals (arthropods) as shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Eating orthopterans is not unusual in many parts of the world. Angelina Jolie, for instance, says that she and her family eat dried crickets "like Doritos." "They're good," she says. "They are like a potato chip."

      Crickets are nutritious. The average serving of crickets has about 13 grams of protein, 76 grams of calcium, 9.5 grams of iron, and only 5.5 grams of fat. When they are mixed with Orzo, a type of pasta, people say it’s delicious.