Neanderthals likely ate fermented meat with a side of maggots

New research highlights the prevalence of maggots as an easily obtained, nutrient-rich supplement of ancient hominin diets.

By: Melanie Beasley, Purdue University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 25, 2026

Words: 1,225

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Melanie Beasley, Purdue University

Scientists long thought that Neanderthals were avid meat eaters. Based on chemical analysis of Neanderthal remains, it seemed like they’d been feasting on as much meat as apex predators such as lions and hyenas. But as a group, hominins – that’s Neanderthals, our species and other extinct close relatives – aren’t specialized flesh eaters. Rather, they’re more omnivorous, eating plenty of plant foods, too.

It is possible for humans to …

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