For three out of every ten people worldwide, insects are a significant part of their diet, particularly in regions where raising cattle, pigs, or poultry for food is not feasible. Currently, Exo Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY, is aiming to introduce crickets—and the protein they offer—to the health-conscious market. In its early days, Exo downplayed the presence of cricket protein in its bars, favoring clean and simple packaging that barely mentioned crickets and avoided insect imagery. However, the company’s rebranding coincides with a growing trend in edible insects. An increasing number of manufacturers are transforming bugs, worms, and scorpions into food, with the high protein content of these insects viewed as a significant advantage.
While edible insects have yet to become mainstream in the U.S., consumers are increasingly open to the idea. A study conducted at King’s College London found that minerals from insects are absorbed more efficiently than those from beef. Crickets, in particular, are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite the numerous health and sustainability benefits, American consumers have a vast array of protein options, including the more conventional red meats. Additionally, overcoming the initial “ick” factor associated with consuming insects can be challenging. Research from Wageningen University in the Netherlands revealed that only half of participants were willing to try insect products, and those who did had similar reactions to processed insect foods 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 shifted. They point to foods like shrimp, lobster, and sushi, which were once widely rejected but have since gained immense popularity among consumers. Although Exo aims to carve out its niche, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers will embrace the idea of eating insects for the company’s strategy to be successful. If consumers can overcome this initial hurdle, the process of acceptance may happen relatively quickly, as suggested by a study from the FAO. While public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. still has a long way to go, their health and sustainability benefits, including their potential to provide citrate 1000 levels of essential nutrients, cannot be overlooked.