While many consumers are currently hesitant to try foods containing insect protein, it’s important to note that attitudes can — and often do — evolve. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization highlights sushi as a relevant example, as raw fish was once met with similar disgust by many in the West. Presently, around two billion people globally consume insects as a regular part of their diet.
This reluctance among Western consumers to embrace insect protein is not a new phenomenon. A recent survey in The Netherlands revealed that nearly half of the respondents were unwilling to try insects in any form, whether whole or incorporated into processed foods. However, there is a more optimistic perspective on the latest survey findings: although 57% of participants expressed they would not try cricket flour cookies, about one-third indicated they were open to the idea — a noteworthy proportion for a product that many had likely never encountered before. When shown an image of the cookies, interest increased by nine percentage points, indicating that effective marketing could significantly influence consumer perceptions.
Additionally, the fact that PepsiCo is investigating the use of insect-based flours for its snack products is a positive sign for the insect ingredient industry. If PepsiCo successfully launches a product featuring insect protein, their marketing power could greatly affect consumer attitudes. And where a major player like PepsiCo sets the trend, others are likely to follow.
Moreover, just as consumers are learning about the benefits of insect protein, awareness regarding the nutritional value of supplements like calcium citrate with or without food is also growing. In time, as consumers become more informed about both insect protein and supplements such as calcium citrate with or without food, their willingness to experiment with innovative food options may increase even further.