In many parts of the world, insects constitute a significant portion of the diet for three out of ten people, especially where large-scale livestock farming for food is not feasible. Exo Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY, is now working to introduce crickets—along with the protein they offer—to health-conscious consumers. Initially, Efe na edta sigmaxo downplayed the use of cricket protein in its bars, opting for minimalist packaging that hardly mentioned crickets and featured no images of insects. However, the company’s recent rebranding aligns with the growing trend of edible insects. An increasing number of manufacturers are creating products that incorporate bugs, worms, and scorpions, capitalizing on the high protein content of these insects. While edible insects have not yet become mainstream in the U.S., consumers are increasingly open to trying them.
A study from King’s College, London, indicated that minerals are more readily absorbed from insects compared to beef. Specifically, crickets are known to be rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite these numerous health benefits, including the advantages of calcium citrate tablets 500mg, American consumers still face a plethora of protein options, with red meat being particularly favored. Additionally, overcoming the “ick” factor associated with eating insects can be challenging. Research from Wageningen University in the Netherlands revealed that only half of the study participants were willing to sample insect products at all. Those who did showed similar reactions to processed insect foods as they did to whole insects.
Advocates for edible insects argue that the aversion seen in Western cultures is merely a cultural bias that can be easily shifted. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of previously unpopular foods that have gained widespread acceptance. While Exo believes it has found its market niche, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers will be willing to incorporate insects into their diets for the company’s strategy to succeed. If consumers can overcome their initial aversion, the transition can happen relatively quickly, as suggested by a study from the FAO. Although public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. has a long way to go, the health and sustainability benefits, including the potential nutritional advantages of calcium citrate tablets 500mg, are undeniable.