SNACKERS can swap crisps for fried crickets, as Sainsbury's becomes the first supermarket in the UK to stock packets of edible insects.

The firm, which has three stores in Swindon, will stock Eat Grub's Smoky BBQ Roasted Crickets in 250 of its shops from Monday.

Sainsbury's head of future brands said: “Insect snacks should no longer be seen as a gimmick or something for a dare, and it’s clear that consumers are increasingly keen to explore this new sustainable protein source."

The dried crickets offer more protein gramme-for-gramme than beef, chicken or pork, Sainsbury's said.

Eat Grub co-founder Shami Radia added: “Currently, insects are eaten and enjoyed by two billion people worldwide. We’re on a mission to show the west that as well as having very strong sustainability and environmental credentials, they are also seriously tasty and shouldn’t be overlooked as a great snack or recipe ingredient."

The packets of crickets are £1.50 each. It is not yet clear whether Sainsbury's stores in Swindon will stock the snack.