Snails: A Cheap Protein in Tunisia

In Tunisia, a growing number of people are turning to snails as a source of protein. This shift is primarily due to the high cost of traditional meats like beef and lamb. Unemployed young men are now collecting snails from fields and rocks to sell in local markets.

Snails offer several advantages as a food source. They are rich in protein and contain important nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Moreover, snails are significantly cheaper than red meat. For example, a bowl of snails costs about 5 dinars ($1.60), while a kilogram of lamb can cost up to 60 dinars ($19.30).

The popularity of snails is also growing in restaurants. Some chefs are preparing snails in traditional ways, using peppers and spices. This trend was particularly noticeable during the recent Ramadan period. Besides being economical, snails are considered more environmentally friendly than livestock, producing fewer carbon emissions and causing less deforestation.