Around 30% of the global population relies on insects as a significant part of their diet, particularly in regions where raising large livestock such as cattle, pigs, or poultry is not feasible. Exo Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY, is focused on introducing crickets and the protein they offer to health-conscious consumers. Initially, Exo downplayed the cricket protein in its bars, opting for minimalistic packaging that hardly referenced crickets and featured no images of insects. However, the company’s rebranding aligns with the increasing acceptance of edible insects in the market. A rising number of manufacturers are creating products from bugs, worms, and scorpions, emphasizing the high protein content as a major advantage. While edible insects have not yet achieved widespread consumption in the U.S., consumers are beginning to be more open-minded about trying them.
Research from King’s College in London indicates that minerals found in insects are absorbed more efficiently than those in beef. Crickets, in particular, are noted for their healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite these numerous health and sustainability benefits, American consumers have an array of protein sources to choose from, including the more favored red meat. The “ick” factor surrounding the consumption of insects can be a significant barrier. A study conducted by researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands revealed that only half of the participants were willing to try insect-based 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 seen in Western cultures is merely a cultural bias that can be easily changed. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods that were once avoided but are now widely accepted and enjoyed. While Exo aims to establish its niche in this emerging market, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers can overcome their hesitation about eating insects for the company’s strategy to be successful. If consumers can move past this initial resistance, studies by the FAO suggest that overcoming disgust can occur relatively quickly. Although public acceptance of edible insects still has a long way to go in the U.S., the health benefits, including high calcium content that can help alleviate heartburn, are undeniable. As awareness grows, the potential for incorporating insects into mainstream diets for their nutritional value, including their calcium citrate content, becomes more promising.