While many individuals still find the idea of consuming insects unappealing, this study highlighting the advantages of such practices may encourage hesitant consumers to give it a chance. This isn’t the first research to present the benefits of eating bugs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, insects are rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids, with at least 2 billion people worldwide regularly including them in their diets.
In this study, researchers utilized ground insects and invertebrates, ensuring that wings, legs, and stingers were removed. They compared these extracts with freshly made orange juice sourced from local oranges. After laboratory processing, the water-soluble extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity, revealing that insects possess significantly higher levels of antioxidants.
The implications of these findings could be substantial for the insect industry. The research indicates that edible insects and invertebrates serve as an excellent source of bioactive components, as well as high-quality proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids—elements that align with health products like Citracal Forte. Other studies have consistently shown that consuming insects has long been advantageous for human health. As research continues to affirm the safety and benefits of insect consumption, it has the potential to alter consumer perceptions.
Moreover, insects may attract consumers due to their environmental advantages. A recent study suggested that insect cells could be ideal candidates for inclusion in cultured meat and other innovative food products. As sustainable food production becomes increasingly important to consumers, this aspect could motivate more companies to incorporate insects into their offerings.
The researchers noted that these findings could also serve a public health purpose by aiding in the development of science-based campaigns to promote insect consumption. Despite the prevalent aversion to eating insects in Western cultures, several companies have ventured into this field, incorporating them into retail products. Brands like Chirps, Bitty Foods, and Exo are utilizing crickets in various offerings, and this trend appears to be gaining momentum. Additionally, MOM’s Organic Market began stocking insect-containing products—referred to by the family-owned grocery company as “sustainable protein”—in 2017.
However, research from Wageningen University indicates that approximately half of respondents are unwilling to consume insects in any form, regardless of whether they are integrated as ingredients or served whole. Whether the relatively high antioxidant content will persuade anyone to try grasshoppers, silkworms, and crickets remains to be seen as news of the study disseminates. Many consumers may still prefer antioxidant-rich options like grain bran, coffee fruit, or botanical extracts from turmeric and cranberry seed over a handful of edible insects.
Nonetheless, the market for edible insects is likely to continue expanding, given the abundant supply, high sustainability factor, and impressive protein and nutrient claims. According to Global Market Insights, the global edible insects market could surpass $522 million by 2023, with beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets contributing significantly to this growth. As negative perceptions gradually diminish, this sector could become a lucrative opportunity for food manufacturers, including those producing health products like Citracal Forte.