Mono- and disaccharides in insects: potential dietary relevance

This study aimed to quantify selected mono- and disaccharides in 19 insect samples using HPAEC-PAD. The sum of quantified mono- and disaccharides ranged from 49 to 1675 mg/100 g of lyophilised insect matter. Trehalose predominated in most species, reaching 495 mg/100 g in Hermetia illucens larvae (approximately 100 mg per 20 g serving). Glucose showed interspecies variability, with the highest concentration in Locusta migratoria subadults (1328 mg/100 g in powder). Lactose was generally absent or present at trace levels (<5 mg/100 g), except in Musca domestica larvae. Insect species, developmental stage, and sex significantly affected saccharide profiles (p < 0.001). Most species had low lactose and sucrose contents, indicating potentially low dietary exposure. The levels of trehalose were variable and highlight the need for further investigation. The data provide a baseline for nutritional assessment and for future physiological or clinical studies investigating the tolerance of specific insect-derived foods.