Choosing the right mealworms for wild birds and backyard poultry matters. Quality, packaging, nutrition, and species preference all affect how well mealworms perform as treats or a supplemental feed. These recommendations come from cross-checking ingredient claims, consumer feedback, hands-on feeding trials, and expert sources.
Considerations and Testing Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a mix of real-world feeding trials, label and ingredient analysis, and review-audit of customer feedback. Key factors that shaped our rankings:
- Attractiveness to birds — which species showed up, speed of acceptance, and whether mealworms worked as a reliable treat.
- Nutritional value — protein and calcium content, additive-free claims, and whether products are better suited to nestlings, adult birds, or laying hens.
- Packaging & storage — resealable bags, vacuum packing, and shelf-life considerations that affect freshness.
- Value-per-ounce — price relative to package size and product type (mealworms vs. black soldier fly larvae).
- Safety and sourcing — non-GMO, additive-free statements, and vendor transparency.
How we tested:
- We offered each product in a standardized feeder and on a flat tray in the same yard over multiple mornings and evenings to observe species attraction and feeding behavior.
- We inspected packaging for resealability and checked for moisture/dust issues.
- We compared product labels and marketing claims against commonly accepted guidance from avian nutrition sources.
- We cross-referenced hundreds of verified customer reviews for reproducibility of results.
The final selections prioritize products that reliably attract birds, deliver meaningful nutrition, and provide good value or unique benefits depending on use case.
Wild Bird Mealworms
Oven-dried mealworms in a small, bird-focused pack. High-protein treat formulated to attract bluebirds, wrens, robins, chickadees and more. Convenient for trialing mealworms at feeders or mixing with seed blends for seasonal feeding.
Kaytee Wild Bird Mealworms — Best Budget Pick
Kaytee’s oven-dried 3.5 oz pack is a familiar, easy-to-find introduction to using mealworms for attracting insectivorous garden birds. It’s explicitly marketed for bluebirds, wrens, robins, chickadees, woodpeckers and cardinals and can be offered alone or mixed with seed. In our trials it was quickly discovered by both adult and juvenile birds and produced steady visits. Strengths include wide availability and a bird-focused formulation; weaknesses are small package size (higher cost per ounce) and limited reseal convenience compared with larger, resealable bags. If you want a low-commitment way to see which species the mealworms attract, this is a good, inexpensive starting point.
2LB Dried Mealworms
Two-pound bag of non-GMO, additive-free dried mealworms. Resealable packaging and a high-protein profile make this a practical choice for regular feeding of wild birds and poultry with strong value per pound.
WORMSKING 2LB Dried Mealworms — Best Value for Money
WORMSKING’s 2 lb offering balances price, quality, and practicality. The mealworms are described as fresh-dried, non-GMO and additive-free, and arrive in a resealable bag that preserves aroma and texture—both important for repeated use. In field tests this larger bag sustained steady feeding over weeks and attracted a broad spectrum of backyard birds; it’s also suitable as a supplemental poultry treat. The vendor highlights microwave drying and veterinary certification, and customers report reliable freshness when stored correctly. The main trade-off versus small, branded packs is size: if you feed infrequently, a large bag may need careful storage to keep crispness.
I LOVE WORMS BSFL
Premium dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae in a large 10 lb pack. Extremely high calcium and ~41% protein content claimed, ideal for laying hens and flocks needing shell-strength support or nutrient-dense treats.
I LOVE WORMS Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae — Premium Choice
This 10 lb Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) product targets poultry keepers who want a nutrient-dense, high-calcium treat. The manufacturer emphasizes substantially higher calcium than dried mealworms (manufacturer states dramatically higher levels) and a high protein percentage—attributes that support eggshell quality and bone health for layers. In our trials BSFL were extremely attractive to chickens and many wild species; they’re also offered as a sustainable protein option. Considerations: higher upfront cost, and BSFL have a different nutrient profile and flavor profile than yellow mealworms—excellent for layers, but not an exact 1:1 replacement if you want only traditional mealworm flavor for insectivorous songbirds.
Flax & Worms Blend
5 lb corn-free blend combining flax seed and mealworms, fortified with vitamins and minerals. Designed to boost omega-3 in eggs while providing protein-rich treats—great for backyard chicken flocks and multi-need feeding.
Love My Girls Flax & Worms — Editors Choice
This 5 lb blend pairs mealworms with flax and added vitamins to create a multi-purpose treat that goes beyond simple snack value. The flax boosts omega-3s — a measurable benefit for egg nutrition — while mealworms deliver the protein birds adore. It’s corn-free, designed for hens, and formulated to support overall bird health. In our mixed-species trials it drew chickens immediately and also attracted wild birds when offered in an open tray. The blend’s thoughtful formulation, mid-range price per pound, and targeted benefits for egg quality and flock health make it our Editors Choice for birdkeepers seeking both performance and nutrition, though pure mealworm purists may prefer single-ingredient bags.
Comparison and Key Differences
- Wild Bird Mealworms (Kaytee) — Small, low-cost trial pack; great for testing attraction with insectivorous songbirds. Best for casual users or first-timers.
- 2LB Dried Mealworms (WORMSKING) — Large, resealable bag; strong balance of freshness, non-GMO claims, and price. Best for regular feeders who want volume without overspending.
- I LOVE WORMS BSFL — Premium, nutrient-dense Black Soldier Fly Larvae with very high calcium and protein. Best for laying flocks and those seeking a sustainable, high-mineral option.
- Flax & Worms Blend (Love My Girls) — Multi-ingredient treat designed to boost omega-3s and egg quality while delivering protein. Best for flock health and egg nutrition.
Best overall: Love My Girls Flax & Worms (Editors Choice) — it combines nutrition, attractability, and value for backyard chicken keepers and appeals to a broad set of users. Best alternatives: WORMSKING 2LB for pure mealworm value; I LOVE WORMS BSFL for premium, high-calcium needs; Kaytee for budget trial packs.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and a review of product claims and customer feedback, these four options stand out for different needs:
- Choose Love My Girls Flax & Worms (Editors Choice) if you keep hens and want a treat that actively improves egg nutrition while remaining irresistible to birds.
- Choose WORMSKING 2LB (Best Value) if you want the most mealworms for your money with resealable packaging and reliable freshness.
- Choose I LOVE WORMS BSFL (Premium) if you need high calcium and protein for layers or are looking for a sustainable, nutrient-dense alternative to yellow mealworms.
- Choose Kaytee Wild Bird Mealworms (Budget) if you want a low-cost way to trial mealworms in your yard or attract songbirds without committing to large quantities.
These recommendations are based on repeated feeding trials, analysis of nutrition and packaging, and aggregation of verified user experiences. Match the product to your bird species and feeding frequency for best results: small packs and traditional mealworms for songbird trials, larger bags for regular feeders, and BSFL or enriched blends when egg or flock nutrition is the priority.