Naturally occurring ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitory peptides have a potential as antihypertensive components in functional foods or nutraceuticals. These peptides have been discovered in various food sources from plant and animal protein origin. In this paper an overview is presented of the ACE inhibitory peptides obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of muscle protein of meat, fish, and invertebrates. Some of these peptides do not only show in vitro ACE inhibitory activity but also in vivo antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats. To focus on new sources of ACE inhibitory peptides, more specifically insects and other invertebrates, we compared the vertebrate and invertebrate musculature and analyzed phylogenetic relationships.