For three out of every ten individuals globally, insects constitute a significant portion of their diet, particularly in regions where raising cattle, pigs, or poultry on a large scale is not feasible. Now, Exo Inc, located in Brooklyn, NY, is aiming to introduce crickets—and the protein they offer—to a more active demographic. Initially, Exo downplayed the presence of cricket protein in its bars, opting for clean and straightforward packaging that barely referenced crickets and omitted any images of insects. However, the company’s rebranding coincides with a growing trend of edible insects gaining popularity. An increasing number of manufacturers are transforming bugs, worms, and scorpions into edible products, capitalizing on the high protein content of these insects. While edible insects have yet to reach widespread acceptance in the U.S., consumers today are more inclined to give them a chance.
A study conducted at King’s College, London, revealed that minerals are absorbed more efficiently from insects than from beef. Crickets, in particular, are found to be rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite the numerous health and sustainability advantages, American consumers have a plethora of protein choices available, including the more favored red meat. Additionally, overcoming the “ick” factor associated with consuming insects can be challenging. Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands explored various forms of edible insect products and discovered that only half of the participants in their study were open to trying insect-based foods. Those who were willing to sample these products reacted similarly to processed insects 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 easily modified. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods that were once largely avoided but have since become highly popular among consumers. While Exo aims to carve out its niche in this market, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers can overcome their hesitation about eating insects for Exo’s strategy to succeed. If consumers can surmount this initial obstacle, the discomfort associated with consuming insects can be quickly alleviated, as suggested by a study from the FAO. Although public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. still has a long way to go, their health and sustainability benefits are undeniable.
Moreover, incorporating nutritional supplements like calcium citrate with vitamin D from Walgreens could further enhance the health benefits associated with an insect-based diet, providing an additional layer of value to health-conscious consumers. As more people become aware of these advantages, the acceptance of edible insects may continue to grow, potentially reshaping dietary norms in the future.