Viral Video Shows UK Vlogger Eating Spiders in Nagaland

British vlogger tastes crunchy spiders in Nagaland in a viral video that has sparked fresh conversations about traditional foods, food safety, and cultural eating practices. The UK-based travel creator, Alex Wanders, recently shared his experience of eating fried spider parts during his visit to North East India. While many viewers were shocked or curious, health experts say such stories offer an opportunity to discuss the nutritional and medical aspects of consuming insects in a calm, science-based manner.
Foreign travellers often explore India’s famous street foods, but this time the spotlight shifted to a lesser-known traditional delicacy from Nagaland.

What Happened in the Viral Video?

In the now-viral reel, the British traveller is seen holding a small bowl of fried, black spider parts. He compared the look of the food to “sev,” a popular crunchy Indian snack. After tasting it, he described the texture as “crunchy” but gave it a low rating, calling the taste unpleasant and scoring it 2 out of 10.
The video quickly gained attention on social media, with mixed reactions from viewers across India.

Cultural Context: Why Are Spiders Eaten in Nagaland?

It is important to understand that a British vlogger’s taste for crunchy spiders in Nagaland does not mean that all people from the state consume such foods. In some Naga tribal communities, insects and spiders have traditionally been used as food due to:

Local availability of ingredients
Historical survival practices
Cultural food heritage

However, many residents of Nagaland themselves stated online that they have never tried this dish. This highlights that food habits can vary widely even within the same region.

Are Fried Spiders Safe to Eat?

Insects and arachnids like spiders can be rich in:

Protein
Essential minerals like iron and zinc
Healthy fats in some species

However, health risks may arise if the food is:

Improperly cooked
Contaminated
Stored unhygienically

Doctors and food safety experts generally agree that thorough cooking and hygienic preparation are crucial to prevent bacterial infections, parasitic exposure, and food poisoning.

Public Reactions from Nagaland and Beyond

After the video went viral, many viewers from Nagaland shared their thoughts:
Some locals said they had never eaten spiders but admired the vlogger’s courage.
Others explained that better cooking methods, like removing the legs, crushing the body, or preparing chutney, can improve taste and safety.
A few criticised the negative review, saying the spider tasted bad because it was poorly prepared.
These reactions show that even traditional foods have preparation techniques that influence both taste and health safety.

Why This Matters

The trend where a British vlogger tastes crunchy spiders in Nagaland opens a larger health discussion about:

Food diversity and global eating habits
Safety of unconventional protein sources
Respecting cultural food practices without promoting stereotypes

For medical readers and the general public, it highlights the growing interest in alternative protein sources like insects, which some nutrition experts believe could play a role in sustainable future diets if prepared safely.

Conclusion

While the sight of eating spiders may seem shocking to many, the story shows how traditional foods intersect with modern travel, social media, and public health awareness. British vlogger tastes crunchy spiders in Nagaland is not just a viral moment; it is a reminder that every food practice should be understood through cultural respect and scientific health knowledge.
When prepared properly and consumed safely, traditional foods, even unusual ones, can be both nutritionally valuable and culturally significant

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

Copy-Writer & Content Editor

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.