Although insects are a healthier and more environmentally friendly source of protein than meat, they are not catching on with Western consumers. The psychological aversion is too great, according to research published in Nature.
On paper, edible insects are considered an excellent food source for humans. They contain a lot of protein and little fat. Moreover, growing insects requires much less space than producing meat, and CO2 emissions are much lower.
Yet consumers are hardly convinced to actually eat them, the research shows. The researchers based their findings on dozens of studies published in recent years.
Typically, less than 30 percent of people say they would even try insects. About 70 percent say that nothing can move them to eat an insect burger. The researchers talk about a “psychological aversion among consumers.”
According to the researchers, this is caused by “cultural and social norms” in Western countries. In large parts of the world, insects are eaten. About two billion people regularly have them on the menu. But in the West they are often described as dirty and associated with a primitive lifestyle.
Most consumers find meat substitutes fine
Of all the meat substitutes the researchers looked at, insect products are the least popular. Most people have no problem with plant-based meat substitutes. More than 90 percent think it is fine to eat them. Consumers also find lab-grown meat a better option than insects.
The researchers emphasize that most meat has a huge ecological footprint and “poses one of the greatest threats” to biodiversity in the world. Worldwide, an area the size of North and South America combined is used to breed livestock.
“Finding a product with a smaller environmental impact than meat is therefore not a difficult task,” the research states. “The real challenge lies in creating alternatives that are attractive enough to be chosen by consumers.”