Rhynchophorus phoenicis (palm grub) is an indigenous edible insect widely consumed across the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and is increasingly recognized as a sustainable, protein-rich food resource. This study evaluated the proximate composition, mineral element content, fatty and amino acid profiles, and selected heavy metal levels (lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic) of palm grubs sourced from Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. Proximate analysis showed that the grubs are rich in fat (21.6–33.5%) and protein (18.2–27.2%), with moisture content ranging from 22.06 to 25.95%, while carbohydrate was ranged from (12.607% - 16. 124%). Mineral analysis revealed appreciable levels of phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, with the phosphorus concentration highest in the Delta State samples (0.967 mg/g). Twelve fatty acids were identified, dominated by oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids, while thirteen amino acids were detected, with histidine occurring at the highest relative concentration (22.3–25.7%) across all three states. Heavy metal analysis showed trace levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic in Bayelsa State samples only, while mercury was not detected in any sample; concentrations in Delta and Rivers States were below detection limits for all four metals. These findings confirm that Rhynchophorus phoenicis is a nutrient-dense food source with generally low heavy metal contamination, supporting its continued and expanded use as an alternative protein source, while highlighting the need for continued monitoring in areas with a history of petroleum-related activity.