About us

Insect protein companies: meet Divaks

Insect protein companies are paving the way for sustainable food solutions, and Divaks is at the forefront of this innovative industry. Founded in 2020 in Lithuania, Divaks is committed to producing high-quality insect protein for the food sector. Our mission is to address global sustainability challenges by establishing an insect-based protein – an alternative to traditional protein sources.

The story behind Divaks

Founded on a vision to innovate the food industry, Divaks began with a simple idea: insect protein could be the key to a healthier and more sustainable food supply. In 2019, our founders recognised the need for high-quality insect-based ingredients that could meet both nutritional and functional standards. The company officially launched in 2020, inspired by the notion that insect protein could reshape the future of food.

Derived from the initials of the original founders, Divaks’ name reflects our origins. With many insect protein companies in the insect protein market, we chose a distinctive name that would stand out. Divaks represents a step forward in the food industry, moving beyond traditional protein sources.

Divaks at a glance: why do we stand out amongst other insect protein companies?

Established expertise

Years of experience driving sustainable food innovation as one of the leading insect protein companies.

Research and development

Leading advancements in alternative protein technology to meet the highest quality standards.

Broad market reach

Supplying major sectors across Europe, from retail to food service and expanding the reach of insect protein companies.

Innovative products

Diverse and versatile alternative protein products that meet modern nutrition and sustainability needs.

Our guiding principles

Trustfulness

Respect each other’s opinions, be fair, and strive for the best for all stakeholders. We believe in honesty and integrity in everything we do, fostering trust with our clients, partners and the community.

Transparency

All our processes are fully traceable to ensure safe, reliable and transparent products for our partners and customers in the insect protein market.

Inquisitiveness

Constant motivation to discover novel ingredients through innovative technology. We always strive to explore new ingredients and technologies that meet the market’s changing demands.

Sustainability

Protect nature by minimizing footprint and optimizing the supply chain.
We strive to protect nature at every step of our process by minimising our footprint and optimising our supply chain and production practices.

Yellow mealworm protein solutions

Divaks is one of the insect protein companies involved in the innovative production of insect proteins derived from the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor).

Yellow mealworm is the first insect approved in Europe as safe for human consumption. We chose them as the main ingredient, combined with plant-based protein, due to their exceptional nutritional value and, in particular, their high protein content. Our products combined with pea protein offer a unique blend of insect and plant-based protein, or a valuable and sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.

If we were to compare yellow mealworm farming with traditional livestock farming, insect-based protein production would be far more sustainable. Yellow mealworm rearing requires much less land, water and other resources. In addition, the product has a wide range of applications: for example, textured insect protein (TIP) is suitable as a meat alternative, while textured insect protein powder (TIPP) can be used for baked goods, snacks or even desserts.

We aim to make alternative proteins a widely available, nutritious and environmentally friendly solution that opens the way to a healthier and more sustainable diet for everyone.

Our future vision

We are committed to making insect-based protein an integral part of the global food system. To ensure that sustainable protein sources are available to all, Divaks’ mission is to position itself as one of the leading insect protein companies. We are already making effective progress towards these goals as we expand our production capacity to meet the needs of the growing market for sustainable, organic sources of protein.

One of the most important commitments we have made is to sustainability. We focus on innovation and research, constantly looking for solutions to make insect proteins more usable and adaptable and for a more efficient, sustainable, less resource-intensive production process. As we expand our reach across Europe, insect proteins will become a familiar and valued choice for almost every consumer.

Divaks’ long-term vision is for insect protein to become a staple in most diets. Our product aims to be the top choice for those committed to a sustainable, healthy, and eco-friendly diet.

Who we work with

At Divaks, we aim to make high-quality alternative protein more accessible by working with partners across Europe. Our insect-based products are versatile, nutritious, and have a wide range of uses, making them ideal for various applications. We are already working with and open to partnering with other companies in the following areas:

Food production. Divaks’ insect protein is helping other companies develop protein-rich snacks such as energy bars, meat alternatives, and other innovative products with a sustainable focus.
Retail chains, speciality stores. Insect-based protein is an opportunity to develop a range of organic, high-protein products, giving consumers another choice in the sustainable food category.
HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants, catering). Our ingredients allow caterers to provide outstanding organic dishes and consumers with another solution that combines high quality, nutrition, and sustainability.

We are open to new partnerships with those who, like us, are committed to changing the food landscape. With unique ingredient options, Divaks will help you develop effective, forward-looking products that meet today’s growing demand for sustainable alternative protein sources.

FAQ

Where do insect protein companies source their raw materials from?

Insect protein companies use a variety of raw material sources, including recycled organic material, plant by-products or specialised insect farms. While some insect protein companies work with international suppliers to achieve large-scale production, at Divaks we focus on the sustainable use of local resources.
Our feed materials come from local agro companies as by-products, leftovers from grain processing, beer production. All ingredients are selected for their suitability for insect nutrition, nutritional value and impact on growth. Our insects, the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), are grown in our own facility. Here, we provide them with optimum growing conditions. In addition, we source our raw materials from registered and approved companies, thus guaranteeing full traceability and the highest food safety standards. We control the entire production process, from the rearing of the insects to the creation of the final product.

What are the key differences between different types of insect-based protein?

Divaks’ product range consists of two main types of insect-based protein: textured insect protein (TIP) and textured insect protein powder (TIPP). Both of these products are produced from Tenebrio molitor larvae reared in our facility and are intended for different applications in the food industry.
Textured insect protein (TIP) is a high quality protein best suited as a meat alternative. Its structure resembles minced meat and allows it to maintain a pleasant consistency in a variety of dishes - for example, burgers or meatballs.
Textured insect protein powder (TIPP) is a fine, easy to incorporate protein powder. Just like textured insect protein, it also has a high protein content, but its texture makes it more suitable for mixing into smoothies, desserts and baked goods.

How does insect-based protein contribute to sustainable food production and lower carbon emissions?

As a matter of fact, insect protein companies play an important role in the future of sustainable food production. They make it possible to reduce dependence on traditional livestock farming, which is highly CO2- and resource-intensive. Insect-based protein production is significantly more efficient - insect farming uses less water, feed and land than beef or chicken production. In addition, insect-based proteins are becoming increasingly important in the alternative protein market, as their production emits up to 90% fewer greenhouse gases than conventional meat. This is why the insect protein market is growing rapidly and the development of this technology is contributing to the food industry's transition towards more sustainable solutions.

Why is insect protein becoming more popular?

The growth of the insect protein market is driven by several key factors. First is the aforementioned growing demand for sustainable protein sources, as the livestock industry has a significant environmental impact. Second, consumer interest in protein alternatives is steadily growing. This is particularly in demand among people who follow a healthy diet. And thirdly, technological innovation is enabling insect protein manufacturers to produce ever higher quality products that can be easily integrated into food production. This makes insect protein no longer just a nutritious but also a tasty ingredient that is easy to integrate into the daily diet. Regulatory support is also growing as more and more countries, including the European Union, recognise insect protein as a safe and valuable source of novel food.

Where is insect protein used, and what industries benefit from it?

Insect protein has a wide range of applications and is used in a variety of industries. A common example is when food manufacturers incorporate textured insect protein powder into energy bars to improve the nutritional value of the product. Insect-based protein can also be used in products replacing traditional meat, offering a high-protein, sustainable alternative for flexitarian and health-conscious consumers.
Beyond food production, insect protein is used in protein shakes and supplements due to its complete amino acid profile and high digestibility. Additionally, bakery and snack industries are beginning to integrate insect protein into products such as crackers, pasta, and even breakfast cereals to enhance their protein content without altering taste or texture.
Insect protein is also slowly making its way into restaurants and food service, which are increasingly introducing new, innovative menus that reflect the principles of healthy and sustainable eating. This is why insect protein companies, including Divaks, are collaborating with businesses in various fields to integrate insect proteins into the daily diet of consumers, expanding market availability and increasing awareness of its benefits. As consumer interest in sustainable and high-quality protein sources grows, the range of applications for insect-based protein is expected to expand even further.

Do consumer perceptions of insect protein change over time?

Yes, consumer perceptions of insect protein are gradually changing. Whereas in the past, insect-based protein was either unknown to most people or a very niche product with little interest, today the growing awareness of sustainability and nutrition is changing the perception of Divaks and other insect protein companies. More and more people are actively looking for food products that are both environmentally and health friendly. Insect protein is one of these choices.
As insect protein companies introduce high quality products with excellent taste and nutritional qualities, consumer acceptance of these products is growing. Regulatory approvals in Europe and other regions further boost consumer trust, making insect-based protein an increasingly mainstream ingredient in the food industry.

How do insect proteins comply with European food regulations?

Insect proteins are classified as novel foods in the EU and must undergo a rigorous evaluation and approval process before they can be placed on the market. This means that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses each new insect protein product to ensure its safety, nutritional value and potential allergenicity. Divaks products are no exception, and we ensure they meet all EU food safety and hygiene requirements. Our production is carried out to the highest industry standards, including traceability measures, controlled processing conditions and quality checks at several stages. As legislation is constantly changing, we actively monitor and adapt to the latest requirements, contributing to the development of the insect protein market in Europe.
In addition to regulatory adaptation, we also invest in research and product development (R&D). We aim not only to meet current standards, but also to develop innovative, premium quality insect protein products that meet market needs and have applications in various areas of the food industry.

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