One in three people worldwide includes insects as a significant portion of their diet, particularly in regions where large-scale livestock farming is not feasible. Exo Inc, based in Brooklyn, NY, aims to introduce crickets and their protein-rich benefits to health-conscious consumers. Initially, Exo understated the presence of cricket protein in its bars, favoring minimalist packaging that barely referenced crickets and avoided insect imagery altogether. However, the company’s recent rebranding aligns with the growing acceptance of edible insects. An increasing number of manufacturers are creating products featuring bugs, worms, and scorpions, with the high protein content of these insects regarded as advantageous.
Although edible insects have not yet gained universal acceptance in the U.S., consumers today are more open-minded. Research from King’s College London indicates that the body absorbs minerals from insects more efficiently than from beef. Crickets, in particular, are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite the numerous health and sustainability advantages, American consumers enjoy a wide variety of protein sources, including more conventional options like red meat. Overcoming the “ick” factor associated with entomophagy can be challenging. A study conducted by Wageningen University in the Netherlands revealed that only half of the participants were willing to try insect products, and those who did had similar feelings about insect-based foods as they did toward whole insects.
Advocates for edible insects argue that the aversion seen in Western cultures is merely a cultural bias that can be changed. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods that were once unpopular but have since gained significant acceptance. While Exo hopes to carve out its niche in this space, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers can embrace insect consumption for the company’s strategy to succeed. According to a study by the FAO, if consumers can overcome their initial disgust, acceptance can progress swiftly. Although public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. has a long way to go, their health benefits, such as being a source of calcium citrate, cannot be overlooked. The contraindications of traditional protein sources must also be considered, as the nutrition provided by insects continues to demonstrate potential advantages.
As the market for edible insects evolves, the challenge lies in shifting consumer perceptions and encouraging a broader acceptance of this sustainable protein alternative.