Top Buzzes

Neanderthals Ate What? The Surprising Truth About Their Diet

Turns out, Neanderthals weren’t just hulking meat-lovers who spent all day hunting mammoths. New research suggests their menu was way more varied—and, frankly, a little gross by modern standards. We’re talking mushrooms, nuts, and yes, even maggots.

For years, scientists assumed Neanderthals were “hypercarnivores,” relying almost entirely on meat. But recent studies of dental plaque and fossilized poop (yep, they studied that) reveal a more nuanced diet. These ancient humans were opportunistic eaters, chowing down on whatever was available—including insects, plants, and yes, those wriggly little larvae.

Why does this matter? Because it changes how we see Neanderthals. They weren’t just brutish hunters; they were adaptable survivors. If a cave bear stole their dinner, they could fall back on foraged greens or crunchy beetles. It’s a reminder that flexibility kept them alive in harsh environments.

So next time you wrinkle your nose at sushi or oysters, remember: your distant cousins probably ate way weirder stuff. And hey, maybe maggots are an acquired taste.