Historical records show that Indigenous peoples in the Arctic and subarctic regularly ate fly larvae found in decaying animal matter because they valued them as a nutritious food, not because they...

We’ve found so far that historical records indicate Indigenous peoples in the Arctic and subarctic regularly consumed fly larvae from decaying animal matter, and they did so because they valued them as a nutritious food, not out of necessity [1]. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward this being a deliberate dietary choice, not a fallback option. There are no studies or assertions in our analysis that contradict this pattern. While we don’t have details on how often these larvae were eaten or how they were prepared, the consistent reporting across multiple historical accounts suggests this practice was recognized and accepted within these communities. Fly larvae, which are the immature stage of flies, are rich in protein and fat — nutrients that would have been especially valuable in environments where food sources were limited by climate and season. Our current analysis shows this practice was documented as intentional and respected, rather than accidental or desperate. We don’t know if it was a daily staple or a seasonal treat, but the evidence points to it being a meaningful part of traditional food knowledge. What this means for us today is that some Indigenous groups historically included nutrient-dense, unconventional foods in their diets — not because they had to, but because they knew how to use what was available in a thoughtful way.