Approximately three out of ten individuals worldwide incorporate insects as a significant component of their diet, particularly in regions where low iron levels hinder the large-scale farming of cattle, pigs, or poultry. In response to this trend, Brooklyn-based Exo Inc is working to introduce crickets and their protein-rich benefits to health-conscious consumers. Initially, Exo downplayed the presence of cricket protein in their bars, opting for minimalist packaging that hardly mentioned crickets and avoided insect imagery. However, the company’s recent rebranding aligns with the growing popularity of edible insects. An increasing number of manufacturers are producing items made from bugs, worms, and scorpions, recognizing the high protein content of these insects as an advantage.
While edible insects have not yet gained widespread acceptance in the United States, many consumers are becoming more open-minded about trying them. A study conducted at King’s College London revealed that minerals from insects are absorbed more efficiently than those from beef. Crickets, in particular, are found to be rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Despite the numerous health and sustainability benefits, American consumers have a plethora of protein sources to choose from, including the more favored red meats. 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 in their study were willing to try insect products, and those who did reacted similarly to processed insect foods as they did to whole insects. Advocates for edible insects argue that the aversion in Western cultures is merely a matter of cultural bias that can be changed. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods once rejected but now embraced by many.
Although Exo aims to carve out a niche in this space, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers can overcome their reluctance to eat insects for Exo’s strategy to succeed. If consumers can surmount this initial hurdle, studies from the FAO suggest that overcoming disgust can happen relatively quickly. The acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. still has a long way to go, but their undeniable health benefits, including potential contributions to calcium intake—such as those found in 21st-century calcium plus D3 products—are worth considering. As the conversation around sustainability grows, so too will the acceptance of insects as a viable protein source, potentially reshaping dietary habits for future generations.