Why They’re a Must-Have for Every Garden Feeder
If there’s one type of bird food that never fails to delight Britain’s garden birds, it’s the mighty mealworm. These little golden grubs are small but mighty, packed with protein and essential nutrients that help wild birds thrive all year round.
Whether you’re an experienced bird feeder or just starting out, mealworms are one of the easiest — and most rewarding — foods to offer. They attract a wide range of species, provide vital nourishment, and can transform your garden into a lively, feathered hub of activity.
At Walter Products, we believe in feeding birds responsibly, using only premium, natural ingredients that benefit wildlife and the environment. Here’s everything you need to know about mealworms — and why they’re one of the best choices you can make for your garden birds.
What Are Mealworms?
Mealworms aren’t actually worms at all — they’re the larvae of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor). In nature, they’re a favourite snack for insect-eating birds, offering an excellent source of protein, fat and moisture.
Our Walter Products Mealworms are carefully dried to lock in nutrition and freshness, making them a convenient, mess-free option for garden feeders. You can feed them straight from the pack or soak them briefly in warm water to rehydrate them — especially useful during breeding or nesting season when birds are feeding their young.
Why Birds Love Mealworms
Mealworms are a natural part of many birds’ diets, especially those that rely on insects. They’re soft, easy to digest, and bursting with the nutrients birds need to maintain energy, build feathers and support healthy breeding.
Some of the birds most likely to visit your feeders for mealworms include:
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Robins – their absolute favourite treat
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Blue tits and great tits – often seen darting in and out for mouthfuls
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Wrens – small but bold insect hunters
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Blackbirds and thrushes – who will also feed their chicks with mealworms in spring
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House sparrows and starlings – lively group feeders that love a protein boost
If you’re trying to attract robins in particular, mealworms are one of the most effective foods you can offer.
Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms
Mealworms are incredibly nutrient-dense for their size. Here’s why they’re so beneficial:
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High in Protein (around 50%) – essential for muscle strength, growth and feather renewal.
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Rich in Fat – provides long-lasting energy, especially in cooler months.
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Packed with B Vitamins and Minerals – vital for metabolism, health and vitality.
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Easily Digestible – suitable for small birds and fledglings, with minimal waste.
At Walter Products, our mealworms are 100% natural — no additives, no preservatives, just pure nutrition as nature intended.
When to Feed Mealworms
Mealworms can be offered all year round, but they’re especially valuable during key stages of the year:
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Spring and Early Summer:
Birds are breeding and feeding hungry chicks. Protein from mealworms helps with chick growth and energy. -
Late Summer and Autumn:
As birds moult and prepare for colder months, mealworms support feather growth and recovery. -
Winter:
Insect numbers fall, so mealworms offer a reliable alternative to keep birds fuelled and active.
How to Feed Mealworms
Mealworms can be offered in several simple ways:
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On a bird table or feeding tray: Ideal for robins and blackbirds who prefer ground feeding.
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In a mealworm feeder: Keeps the food dry and reduces waste.
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Mixed with seed or fat balls: Adds a protein boost to your existing feeders.
For an extra treat, you can soak dried mealworms for 10–15 minutes before serving. This makes them softer, more hydrating and easier for young birds to eat.
Mealworms vs. Calci Worms
If you’re comparing mealworms with Calci Worms, both are fantastic choices — but they offer slightly different benefits.
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Mealworms are excellent for protein and fat, ideal for energy and growth.
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Calci Worms (the larvae of the black soldier fly) are higher in calcium, which supports bone and eggshell strength.
Many bird lovers choose to offer both for a balanced, nutrient-rich feeding plan — and at Walter Products, we stock both in a variety of sizes and quantities to suit your garden’s visitors.
Tips for Feeding Mealworms Responsibly
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Feed small amounts daily to keep food fresh.
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Always provide clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing.
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Keep feeding areas clean to prevent bacteria or mould.
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Offer a mix of food types — mealworms, peanuts and fat balls — to support different species.
With a little consistency, birds will soon recognise your garden as a reliable feeding spot and return year after year.
Why Choose Walter Products Mealworms
Our mealworms are:
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100% natural and nutrient-rich
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Made to order for freshness
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Packaged in recyclable tubs and refill bags
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Perfect for all garden birds, especially robins and tits
We pride ourselves on providing honest, high-quality feeds that support the health and well-being of Britain’s wildlife — because feeding the birds should always be good for nature too.
Feeding mealworms is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your garden come alive with birdsong and activity. Whether it’s a robin singing on a frosty morning or a blue tit feeding its chicks in spring, mealworms are a small gesture that makes a big difference.
Browse our full range of Walter Products Mealworms and Calci Worms today, and discover how a handful of these golden grubs can bring nature right to your doorstep.
