According to his investigation Open University of Catalonia, In Spain, most consumers consider that Insect consumption It can become a sustainable alternative source of protein and part of regular diets.
- However, this research also found that more than half of those surveyed are not ready to take the step of adding insects to their regular diets, just yet. While 86% of the respondents revealed that they had never eaten insects.
The main reasons of those surveyed for not eating insects were:
- disgust (38%)
- Lack of habit (15%)
- Doubts about food safety (9%)
- Cultural reasons (6%).
Are insects part of future consumption?
Half of the respondents think so Obtaining information about the potential of these animals as sustainable food would encourage their consumption. Only 38% of those surveyed answered that they did not believe that insect consumption could become a practice in the future.
Comparing insect production to beef production, greenhouse gases are reduced by 95% and energy consumption by 62%.” Study authors.
The preparation of these edible animals is important to attract consumers. According to the study, “70% of the respondents said that a preparation that does not reveal the natural shape of insects will facilitate their consumption.”
The most acceptable forms of insects for incorporation into food are:
- Flour (23%)
- cookies (6%)
- bars (5.8%)
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A protein source that gives a lot to talk about
With mealworms and crickets on the way to EU dinner plates, following the latest round of approvals in 2022, commercialization of alternative products containing protein-packed variants looms large in Europe.
- According to the International Insect Platform for Food and Feedthe comprehensive insect organization that supports the burgeoning industry, insect products could be available this year, opening up an entire farm of nutritious, sustainable foods.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, insect-eating advocate Woven successfully lobbied the British Parliament to accept the species’ inherent safety and value.
resulting in a deal that potentially paves the way for insect protein to become an essential industry.
In business moves, following a successful funding round, Singapore startup Protenga will receive additional investment in its insect protein technology platform from Yield Lab Asia Pacific, Seeds Capital and JBI Innovations.
Chefs are also optimistic about future consumption, with “at least 36% of chefs expecting to see a significant increase in customer demand for protein and insect-based foods” by 2040, according to GEA investigation.
It may interest you: The European Union has not released any insects for food use
Insect consumption in the world
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 1,900 of these edible species are eaten worldwide, and they are already a nutrient-rich part of many national diets.
In Asia, the red palm weevil is one of the most popular species and is considered a prized delicacy in a large number of countries.
For his part, V.I Democratic Republic of the CongoThe Ngandu people feed on the caterpillars during the rainy months. In Europe and North America, more and more people are starting to stock these high-protein products on their shelves.
the European Union It is also taking steps to standardize these animals as a food source by establishing safety regulations that allow them to be sold for human consumption.
In addition, the body indicates four reasons why Edible insects Should be part of the list are:
- Nutritious
- environmentally sustainable
- They provide economic opportunities
- They are an untapped resource
Also read: Alternative proteins will account for 25% of food in 2040