A Rare Kosher Delicacy: How to Buy Edible Locusts with Rabbinic Approval
In the kosher world, there are plenty of unexpected culinary twists—but perhaps none as surprising as this: locusts are kosher. That’s right. While virtually all insects are prohibited by halacha, certain species of locusts are the one exception. And thanks to The Biblical Museum of Natural History in Israel, you can now purchase certified kosher, edible locusts—if you’re in Israel to pick them up.
This is a super interesting product to have with you at your seder table!
Local Pickup Only in Israel
Previously available with international shipping, the museum has now limited the availability of its kosher locusts to in-person pickup only at its location in Har Tuv, facing the entrance to Beit Shemesh. You’ll need to visit the museum to get your hands on this rare biblical delicacy.
Location:
The Biblical Museum of Natural History
Choshen Street, Har Tuv, Israel
(Just across from the entrance to Beit Shemesh, off of Route 38)
The Price and Kosher Certification
The kosher locusts are available for ₪60 (Israeli shekels) per pack. Regarding kashrut, the Biblical Museum issues the following statement:
“The question of which locusts are kosher, and whether someone from a community without a tradition for them may nevertheless eat them, is discussed in detail in our article at our Knowledge Base, also available as a free leaflet at the museum. It is our view that even someone without a tradition may eat them, but others disagree.
The rabbinate does not take a position on whether or not one may eat locusts. The rabbinate certification on them is that the factory in which they are raised and heated/dried to kill pathogens does not operate on Shabbat.”
Kosher Locust Fun Facts
- Rich in protein and amino acids
- Zero saturated fat or cholesterol
- Makes for a lively Shabbat table discussion or to enrich your Passover seder
- Heated at 65°C for 17 hours to kill pathogens
- Ready to eat, or add toppings/ dips
- Painlessly killed via freezing—no shechitah required
- Baked under supervision for Shemirat Shabbat
- Pareve—you can coat them with milk chocolate!
- Species: Locusta migratoria
The Halachic Backstory
According to Vayikrah 11:22, the Torah names four types of locusts that are kosher for consumption. However, over centuries, identifying these specific species with certainty became more complicated. While Ashkenazi tradition largely lost the mesorah, certain Sephardi and Yemenite communities preserved it—and with it, the ability to eat locusts today under specific circumstances.
This isn’t just theory or folklore. Yemenite Jews have historically consumed kosher locusts during plagues or as seasonal protein sources. The practice is well-documented and remains a fascinating outlier in modern kashrut.
What Do They Taste Like?
You may be wondering—what does a kosher locust actually taste like?
About a decade ago, I had the chance to try a chipotle chocolate-covered locust at a special “halachic dinner” event. To my surprise, the flavor reminded me of gribenes (crispy chicken skin) with a smoky, crunchy, umami-rich texture. While this particular museum offering is sold plain, unseasoned, and dried—it still presents a chance to experience a Torah-permitted food with deep cultural roots.
About the Museum
The Biblical Museum of Natural History is a unique institution dedicated to exploring the intersection of Torah and zoology. Located in Har Tuv, just outside Beit Shemesh, the museum offers educational exhibits, guided tours, and opportunities to engage with animals and kosher discussions from a biblical lens. The kosher locusts are part of their broader effort to bring Torah texts to life—literally.
If you’re in Israel or planning a visit, stopping by the museum is a chance to pick up a pack of these rare kosher creatures and experience a taste of Jewish history, both figuratively and literally.
How to Order
To purchase kosher locusts, visit the official website of the Biblical Museum of Natural History, where you’ll find the product listed in their online shop. While international shipping is no longer available, orders can still be placed online for local pickup only. After completing your purchase, you’ll receive instructions for retrieving your order at the museum, near Bet Shemesh. It’s recommended to coordinate your visit with the museum’s opening hours to ensure smooth pickup.
