If you want to get some dried mealworms, there is no shortage of options. Whether you want them for your pet or as a snack, there are plenty of ways to procure these. Let us take a look at the best places to buy dried mealworms.
You can purchase dried mealworms in local farm markets, pet stores and online shops. Only buy from reputable stores and compare prices so can get the best deal.
Best Places to Buy Dried Mealworms
Here are some of my favorite options when it comes to buying dried mealworms. Which you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Online Retailers
There are numerous online retailers specializing in selling dried mealworms. Sites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer a wide selection of brands and packaging options. They also provide customer reviews so you can check out what people who actually bought the product have to say about it.
Pet Stores
Many pet supply stores, particularly those catering to reptile owners, often stock dried mealworms. You can also find these in general pet stores at the reptile or bird food section. Some stores may have a limited variety of brands, but you can always inquire if they can order specific products.
Farm Supply Stores
If you live in an agricultural area, farm supply stores can be a great place to buy dried mealworms. These stores often carry products for feeding poultry or other livestock.
In my experience they don’t usually offer as many brands as pet stores. But the great thing is you can buy products in bulk at very competitive prices. If you want lots of dried mealworms, farm supply stores are a good choice.
Specialized Insect Suppliers
As you might have guessed, these stores offer supplies and products related to insects and all kinds of bugs. This is also a good place to purchase dried mealworms. Most of them also offer live and freeze dried mealworms.
Related. How to Prepare Dried Mealworms for Birds
Local Farmers Markets
Check if your local farmers market has any vendors who sell dried mealworms. Some insect farmers set up booths at these markets, selling their farm-to-table products. I like this because it gives me a chance to support local businesses while also meeting my needs.
With the popularity of mealworm farming on the rise, finding them has become easier than ever. Whether you choose to buy online, visit local retailers or explore specialized insect suppliers, there is always an option. Now the next step is to make sure you know what to look for.
What to Look for in Dried Mealworms
Because mealworms are so easy to find, it’s tempting to just buy the cheapest option. But I don’t recommend this. If you want mealworms that are healthy and safe to eat, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Check the source. Look for reputable brands that mention the origin, processes and handling of their mealworms. Buy only mealworms that were raised in a controlled environment and without the use of chemicals.
Quality. Signs of healthy mealworms: they should be plump, dry and smell fresh. Avoid any mealworms that are discolored, soft or have a strong odor. These mealworms were not processed properly.
Packaging. Check the packaging to see if it is airtight and properly sealed. This prevents moisture from entering and keeps the mealworms crispy and fresh. Resealable packages are ideal to keep the mealworms fresh.
Ingredients. Check the ingredient list to make sure there are no harmful additives or preservatives. Ideal dried mealworms should have no additional fillers or artificial substances.
Size Options. Dried mealworms come in all sizes ranging from large to small. This is a matter of personal preference so check the packaging and product description before you purchase.
Nutritional Content. Properly processed dried mealworms are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. This won’t be an issues if the mealworms were properly processed. This is why I recommend buying only from trusted brands.
Dried vs. Live Mealworm Cost Comparison
Price. In terms of price, dried mealworms are typically cheaper than live ones. The dehydration process removes the moisture from the mealworms and reduces their weight.
As a result, the cost of packaging, transportation and storage is lower compared to live mealworms. This allows suppliers to offer dried mealworms at a more affordable price.
Live mealworms on the other hand, require specific conditions to survive. They need appropriate bedding, temperature control and regular feeding. Raising a mealworm farm at home is not expensive, but if commercial operations understandably cost more. Because live mealworms cost more to maintain, this is passed on to the consumer.
Shelf life. Live mealworms have a shorter shelf life compared to dried ones. If you buy these you need to consume them as soon as possible to avoid spoilage. Dried mealworms can be kept in the fridge or freezer for months.
Preference. While dried mealworms are generally cheaper, they are not always the best option. If feeding chickens, birds, reptiles etc. live mealworms are better. These animals prefer live prey because it allows them to use their natural hunting instinct.
If you have pets or livestock it’s probably better to spend that little extra on live mealworms. It can make a significant difference for your pets.
Customer Reviews. Before purchasing, check customer reviews and feedback about the brand or product. This will give you insights into the quality, reliability of the product and the brand.
Quality over price. Always go for quality over price. Cheap mealworms from dubious sources could be spoiled and pose health risks for you or animals. You might save a few dollars but why take that chance if you or animals get sick?
Tips for Buying Cheap Mealworm Substrates
Oatmeal: A cheap and easily available substrate is plain oatmeal. It provides mealworms with the nutrients they need and doesn’t get soggy. Plus you can buy it any grocery store at a very low cost. .
Wheat bran: Another affordable choice is wheat bran. This grain byproduct is commonly used in animal feed. You can buy these at agricultural stores or online. Wheat bran offers a good balance of nutrition and keeps the mealworms properly hydrated.
Cornmeal: Cornmeal is a versatile and inexpensive, which makes it a good mealworm bedding. It provides a good source of carbohydrates for the larvae and helps maintain moisture levels. Like oatmeal and wheat bran, cornmeal is widely available.
Unbleached all-purpose flour: Yes, unbleached all-purpose flour can be used as a substrate for mealworms. What I like about this substrate is it helps maintain moisture and can be easily replenished. It is also affordable.
Ground oats: You can buy ground oats in bulk or ground at home using a blender or food processor. Ground oats provide nutrients and also keeps the moisture level ideal for the larvae.
Newspaper or cardboard: If you’re looking for the cheapest option, just use newspaper or shredded cardboard. You can get them anywhere (probably have them at home now) cost almost nothing. Although they are not as nutritious as other substrates, they will work as bedding.
A good substrate is just one aspect. Maintaining proper cleanliness and hygiene is vital to the health of your mealworms. Do not use substrates that have been treated with chemicals or pesticides as they can harm the larvae. It’s also important to replace the bedding regularly.
Conclusion
Buying dried mealworms or bedding for live ones is easier than ever. With so many options, the challenge is deciding which one to go for. It is a good problem to have though, and with competition among brands, cost continues to drop.
