Jumping spiders are visual, ambush-hunting arachnids that rely on movement to trigger their feeding response. The wrong feeder insect — too big, too tough, or nutritionally empty — can cause your spider to refuse food or suffer digestion issues. Choosing the right live prey is the single most important decision for keeping these tiny hunters healthy and active.
I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I spend my time comparing feeder insect size charts, analyzing nutritional gut-loading data, and studying owner feedback to find the most reliable live food sources for captive arachnids.
Whether you care for a single bold jumper or a small breeding colony, the best food for jumping spiders must be gut-loaded, appropriately sized, and arrive alive without fail.
How To Choose The Best Food For Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are opportunistic predators that take down prey up to 1.5 times their own body length. The wrong feeder size or nutritional profile leads to regurgitation, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Focus on these three factors before adding any live insect to your spider’s enclosure.
Prey Size Relative To Body Length
Measure your spider’s body (not including legs) and select feeder insects no larger than that measurement. For an adult regal jumper with a 10 mm body, a 3/4-inch mealworm is too large — stick to pinhead crickets or very small mealworms. For slings, flightless fruit flies or micro mealworms (under 1/8 inch) are the standard. Oversized prey can injure or stress a spider.
Gut-Loading And Nutritional Density
Feeder insects that eat nutrient-rich diets (carrots, sweet potatoes, commercial gut-load formulas) pass those vitamins to your spider. Mealworms are naturally high in fat and low in calcium; a gut-loaded worm is significantly better than a starved one. Always confirm the supplier explicitly states “gut-loaded” or feeds their stock a fortified diet. A spider that eats only fat-packed prey without calcium supplementation risks molting issues.
Live Arrival Guarantee And Packaging
Feeder insects shipped in extreme temperatures or poorly ventilated bags arrive dead or lethargic. Reputable suppliers use breathable cloth bags or deli cups with air holes and include a live-arrival guarantee. Check the fine print — many guarantees only apply when temperatures are between 40°F and 80°F. Ordering during mild weather windows increases your odds of receiving active, healthy prey.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 2100 Mealworms | Premium Bulk | High-volume feeders & colony starters | 2100 count, large size, gut-loaded | Amazon |
| Superworm 300 Live Superworms | Premium | Large jumping spiders needing high protein | 300 count, large superworms (1.5-2 inch) | Amazon |
| Gimminy Crickets 500ct Giant Mealworms | Mid-Range | Medium to large spiders on a budget | 500 count, giant size (up to 1.2 inch) | Amazon |
| Predator Foods 1,250 Bulk Live Mealworms | Mid-Range | Daily feeding of multiple spiders | 1250 count, organic, ~0.75 inch | Amazon |
| Surmen Legacy 1000 Live Mealworms | Budget | Entry-level keepers on a tight budget | 1000 count, gut-loaded, 3/4-1 inch | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 2100 Mealworms
With 2,100 worms per bag, this is the highest-volume option on the list and the most cost-effective choice for keepers with multiple spiders or those wanting to start a breeding colony. The mealworms are consistently described as “extra large” — some reviewers noted they rival superworms in size. Each worm is gut-loaded on a nutritious diet before shipping, meaning your spider gets calcium and protein upfront rather than just fat.
The live-arrival guarantee applies to shipping via Ground Advantage, but summer temperatures above 90°F can still cause losses. Storing the bag in the fridge slows growth and keeps the worms dormant for weeks. Multiple reviewers successfully matured these worms into beetles and established self-sustaining colonies, which eliminates the need for repeat orders entirely.
Bassett’s Cricket Ranch is a well-established supplier with consistent quality — the only recurring complaint is worm size being slightly smaller than expected, though most still class them as large. For keepers who want reliability and volume, this is the most premium bulk option.
Why we love it
- Highest count (2,100) for long-term feeding
- Worms are large, chubby, and gut-loaded
- Many customers started successful colonies from them
Good to know
- Some batches arrive smaller than “extra large” described
- High summer heat can cause DOAs despite guarantee
2. Superworm 300 Live Superworms
Superworms are thicker and higher in protein than standard mealworms, making them an ideal prey item for larger jumping spider species like Phidippus regius or Phidippus audax. This 300-count bag from Superworm is organic and raised in Florida — a region with warm conditions that tend to produce more active and robust worms. Reviewers repeatedly praised the “chunky” size and the fact that all 300 arrived alive with zero foul odor.
The worms stayed active for over 25 days when kept with vegetable scraps, which is a strong indicator of good health at the source. One disgruntled customer reported receiving only 50 worms out of 300, but the overwhelming majority of verified purchases reported the full count and excellent condition. Compared to the Bassett bag, this is a smaller count but a larger individual worm size — better for keepers who only have one or two spiders and want to avoid overstock.
Because superworms are slightly more aggressive than mealworms, offer them one at a time and supervise feeding to ensure your spider isn’t overwhelmed. For a large adult jumper, this is a premium protein source that supports muscle tone and active hunting behavior.
Why we love it
- Largest individual worm size on the list
- Organic and raised in the USA
- Very high survival rate — nearly all customers report 100% alive
Good to know
- Count variance reported occasionally (some bags short)
- Superworms can be too lively for very small slings
3. Gimminy Crickets 500ct Giant Mealworms
This 500-count bag positions itself as a “giant” mealworm option, and many customers confirm the worms are indeed large — suitable for adult jumpers that need a substantial meal. The price per worm is very competitive for the mid-range tier, and the bag is an appropriate size for keepers with two to three spiders who don’t want to store hundreds of worms for weeks. Most reviews mention the worms arrive alive and healthy with no casualties.
The most consistent complaint is inconsistency in worm size — some batches are described as “small to medium” rather than giant, and a few worms may be starting metamorphosis into beetles. One long-time customer with 37+ orders reported a drastic drop in quality and poor customer service when they tried to address the issue. If you order this, check the bag immediately upon arrival and contact the seller for refunds if the size is off.
For keepers who prefer a moderate-volume purchase that still offers large worms at a fair price, this is a solid mid-range pick. Just be prepared for some variability between batches.
Why we love it
- Good value for 500 large worms
- Most orders arrive with zero dead worms
- Convenient size for small collections
Good to know
- Size inconsistency — “giant” tag not always accurate
- Customer service for complaints is reportedly unhelpful
4. Predator Foods Bulk Live Mealworms 1,250 Count
Predator Foods is a US-based grower that specializes in organic mealworms, and this 1,250-count bag is one of the most reliable mid-range options for jumping spider keepers. The worms measure approximately 0.75 inches — a good size for subadult to adult jumpers. They are packed in cloth bags, which offer better breathability than plastic bags and significantly reduce moisture buildup and mold risk during shipping.
Customers consistently report fast delivery and zero dead worms. The supplier’s live-arrival guarantee explicitly covers temperatures between 40°F and 80°F, so ordering during spring or fall is recommended. The mealworms are described as “odorless” upon arrival and can be kept in the refrigerator for weeks without issues. Many repeat buyers mention using them for fence lizards and bearded dragons, which suggests the worms are robust enough for a variety of insectivores.
The main downside is that “large” can be inconsistent — some reviews note the worms are on the smaller side of the 0.75-inch mark. For keepers who want organic, healthy feeders at a competitive per-worm price, this is a well-rounded choice.
Why we love it
- Organic mealworms from a dedicated US grower
- Breathable cloth bag reduces DOA risk
- Consistent fast delivery with excellent survival
Good to know
- Worm size at 0.75 inch is on the small side for very large spiders
- Extreme weather outside guarantee window voids replacement
5. Surmen Legacy 1000 Live Mealworms
Surmen Legacy offers 1,000 gut-loaded mealworms at a very low entry point, making this the most budget-friendly option for keepers who need bulk feeders without spending premium dollars. The worms measure between 3/4 and 1 inch, which is appropriate for adult jumpers. The supplier guarantees 100% live delivery, and the overwhelming majority of verified reviews confirm that the worms arrive without a single dead one.
Multiple customers noted that the worms are “very very small” — some felt the count was closer to 800-900 than the advertised 1,000. This is a common issue with bulk mealworm shipments where tiny worms are counted loosely by volume rather than individually. For slings or very small jumpers, this small size is actually a benefit. For keepers expecting large worms, the discrepancy can be disappointing.
Where Surmen Legacy shines is survivability: zero dead worms across multiple orders is the norm, not the exception. If you’re on a tight budget and need a reliable starter supply, this bag delivers. Just don’t expect giant worms at this price point.
Why we love it
- Lowest per-worm cost for budget-conscious keepers
- Gut-loaded before shipping for added nutrition
- Consistently high live-arrival rate (near 100%)
Good to know
- Worms are often very small despite the “3/4-1 inch” label
- Some customers question the actual 1,000 count
FAQ
Can jumping spiders eat dead mealworms?
How many mealworms should I feed my jumping spider per week?
Are superworms safe for all jumping spider species?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most keepers, the best food for jumping spiders winner is the BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 2100 Mealworms because it combines the highest volume with consistent large size and gut-loading — giving you weeks of reliable feeding and the option to start a colony. If you want high-protein superworms for a single large spider, grab the Superworm 300 Live Superworms. And for budget-conscious keepers who still need live arrival guaranteed, nothing beats the Surmen Legacy 1000 Live Mealworms.





