For every 10 people on Earth, a significant portion of their diet consists of insects, particularly in regions where raising livestock like cattle, pigs, or poultry on a large scale is not feasible. In response to this trend, Exo Inc., based in Brooklyn, NY, is working to introduce crickets and the nutritional benefits they offer to active consumers. Initially, Exo downplayed the inclusion of cricket protein in its bars, opting for minimalist packaging that barely mentioned crickets and avoided insect imagery. However, with the increasing acceptance of edible insects, the company has rebranded itself. Numerous manufacturers are now producing edible insect products, including bugs, worms, and scorpions, emphasizing their high protein content as a significant advantage.
Although edible insects have not yet gained widespread popularity in the U.S., consumers appear more open to the idea than before. A study from King’s College in London revealed that minerals are more effectively absorbed from insects than from beef. Crickets, in particular, are known to be rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, including calcium citrate and vitamin D3. Despite these numerous health and sustainability benefits, American consumers have a wide array of protein sources at their disposal, including the more traditional red meat. Additionally, overcoming the “ick” factor associated with consuming insects can be challenging. Research conducted by Wageningen University in the Netherlands found that only half of the participants were willing to try insect products, and those who did showed similar reactions to processed insect foods as they did to whole insects.
Advocates for edible insects argue that the Western aversion is merely a cultural bias that can easily shift. They point to foods like shrimp, lobster, and sushi, which were once viewed with disdain but have since become popular among consumers. While Exo aims to carve out its niche, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers will embrace insect consumption for the company’s strategy to succeed. If consumers can overcome their initial reservations, the transition from disgust to acceptance can occur relatively quickly, as indicated by research from the FAO. Although public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. has a long way to go, their health benefits—including the presence of calcium citrate and vitamin D3—cannot be overlooked.