For Kaiko, key moments include post-exercise recovery and post-meal blood sugar management.
The firm produces protein powder from silkworms, which are naturally low in fat, rich in protein, and contain all essential amino acids – nutrients the human body cannot produce on its own.
Silkworms consume a unique diet of mulberry leaves, which, according to Kaiko’s research, imparts key nutrients such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and silk protein. DNJ helps regulate post-meal blood sugar levels, while silk protein supports gut health. In addition, silkworms provide dietary fibre, B vitamins, zinc, and folic acid—nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
Kaiko is leveraging these health benefits to shift the narrative around insect-based foods. Rather than positioning them solely as “alternative proteins” – a framing that often meets resistance – the company is presenting them as functional ingredients with tangible health benefits.
“People tend to question why they should consume insects, which is completely understandable.
“However, history shows that psychological barriers can be overcome when health benefits are clear. Seaweed, once rejected in Western cultures, is now embraced as a superfood. Similarly, many insects have been integral to traditional Chinese medicine.
Silkworms, due to their unique mulberry leaf diet and long history of domestication, provide exceptional nutritional value. When ground into powder, they resemble matcha in both taste and appearance, making them an easy addition to modern functional foods,” said Yoko Muroi, marketing and PR manager at Morus Inc, the company that created the Kaiko brand.
Driving acceptanceKaiko encourages consumer adoption by integrating silkworms into familiar formats.
The brand transforms silkworms into MorSilk, a nutrient-dense powder with a matcha-like taste and appearance. It is then combined with Japanese matcha and packed into individual two-gram sachets, which can be mixed with water to make a drink.
For the sports nutrition segment, Kaiko offers a ready-to-mix protein powder in 500g containers. This formulation replaces part of whey protein with MorSilk, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high protein content. It includes other natural ingredients such as yuzu, milk powder, and stevia, allowing consumers to create protein shakes with milk or water.
Additionally, Kaiko ensures quality control by sourcing silkworms from contracted sericulture farms in Japan and producing them in-house.
“We have specialised expertise in breeding edible silkworms, allowing us to maintain high production standards,” said Muroi.
The company is also committed to upholding the ‘Made in Japan’ standard by using locally sourced ingredients. “This ensures we maintain the highest quality,” said Muroi.
When asked how Kaiko differentiates itself from other products with similar functions, Muroi said the firm addresses common consumer concerns with evidence-backed, naturally derived solutions.
“Our consumer research reveals common concerns – “I see these ingredients listed, but I’m not sure they really work”, or “I want to avoid chemically synthesised additives as much as possible.”
Kaiko’s products have been scientifically proven in human trials to regulate post-meal blood sugar absorption. Additionally, many other potential health benefits have been reported by academic papers in fat absorption control, blood pressure regulation, gut health improvement, and antioxidant properties – all critical health concerns that become more significant with ageing. Furthermore, they serve as a source of protein,” said Muroi.
Focus on sustainable science-backed solutionsKaiko conducted a clinical trial where eight healthy adult participants in their 20s to 60s were recruited.
Eight participants consumed three capsules MorSilk, which contained 2.8mg DNJ with 200 grams rice. At the same time, 22 participants consumed a placebo with the same amount of rice. The placebo consisted of powdered mulberry leaf.
The results showed that participants who consumed MorSilk had a mean change of 45.4mg/dL in blood glucose levels 30 minutes after consuming rice. Those who consumed the placebo had a mean change of 69.3mg/dL in blood glucose levels – 35% more than those who consumed MorSilk.
Kaiko is open to exploring the possibility of conducting further studies since the sample size is small.
The firm also emphasises sustainability, as silkworm cultivation requires significantly less water and land than traditional livestock farming. Additionally, silkworms generate substantially lower carbon emissions compared to beef, pork, and poultry, making them an environmentally friendly protein source.
Upcoming plansKaiko, which launched in July 2024, is refining its strategy to align product benefits with the most relevant consumption moments. Rather than prioritising specific formats, the company remains open to developing alternatives that best serve consumer needs.
“We plan to expand across Asia, starting with Singapore – an economic hub where consumers are more receptive to insect-based foods”
“Singapore also leads food security initiatives and supports alternative protein development, making it a strategic launchpad for our brand,” said Muroi.
Kaiko is taking a direct-to-consumer approach, selling through its own platform and carefully selected partners.
“Rather than conventional retail, we are curating distribution through gyms, yoga studios, clinics, and restaurants that align with our vision,” Muroi explained.
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