For three out of every ten people globally, insects constitute a significant portion of their diet, particularly in regions where large-scale livestock farming is not feasible. Exo Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY, is working to introduce crickets and the protein they offer to active consumers. Initially, Exo minimized the emphasis on cricket protein in its bars, favoring clean and simple packaging that hardly mentioned crickets and avoided insect imagery altogether. However, the company is rebranding at a time when the consumption of edible insects is gaining traction. An increasing number of manufacturers are producing edible bugs, worms, and scorpions, capitalizing on the high protein content of these insects. While edible insects have not yet reached widespread acceptance in the U.S., consumers are becoming more open-minded about trying them.
A study conducted at King’s College, London, revealed that minerals are absorbed more effectively from insects than from beef. Crickets, in particular, are noted for their healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite the myriad health and sustainability advantages, American consumers have a plethora of protein choices, including the more conventional red meat. Additionally, overcoming the “ick” factor associated with consuming insects can be challenging. Research from Wageningen University in the Netherlands indicated that only half of the participants were willing to try insect-based products. Those who did reacted similarly to processed insect products, such as those enriched with citracal calcium citrate with vitamin D, as they did to whole insects.
Advocates for edible insects argue that the aversion in Western cultures is merely a cultural bias that can be altered. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods that were once met with disdain but have since gained immense popularity. Although Exo aims to carve out its niche in the market, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers will embrace insect consumption for Exo’s strategy to be successful. If consumers can overcome this initial barrier, studies by the FAO suggest that revulsion can be quickly surpassed. While public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. still has a long way to go, their health benefits, including those found in products containing citracal calcium citrate with vitamin D, and sustainability advantages are undeniable.