Around 30% of the global population incorporates insects as a significant part of their diet. This is particularly true in regions where raising large livestock such as cattle, hogs, or poultry for food is not feasible. Now, Brooklyn-based Exo Inc is aiming to introduce crickets and the protein they offer to health-conscious consumers. Initially, Exo downplayed the role of cricket protein in its energy bars, opting for minimalist packaging that barely referenced crickets and featured no images of insects. However, the company is rebranding at a time when the consumption of edible insects is gaining traction. An increasing number of manufacturers are creating products from bugs, worms, and scorpions, capitalizing on the high protein content that insects provide.
While edible insects have not yet reached mainstream acceptance in the U.S., consumers are more open to the idea than before. Research conducted at King’s College, London, has shown that minerals found in insects are absorbed more efficiently than those in beef. Crickets, in particular, are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Despite the numerous health and sustainability advantages, American consumers still have a plethora of protein sources to choose from, including the more favored red meat. The “ick” factor associated with insect consumption poses a significant barrier. A study from Wageningen University in the Netherlands revealed that only half of the participants were willing to try insect-based products. Those who did have similar feelings toward processed insect foods as they did toward whole insects.
Advocates for edible insects argue that the aversion in Western cultures is merely a cultural bias that can be easily shifted. They point to shrimp, lobster, and sushi as examples of foods that were once looked down upon but have since become popular. Although Exo is optimistic about its market position, it remains uncertain whether enough consumers will overcome their reluctance to embrace insect consumption for the company’s strategy to succeed. If consumers can navigate this initial hurdle, research from the FAO suggests that any disgust can be quickly alleviated. While public acceptance of edible insects in the U.S. still has a long way to go, the undeniable health benefits—including those similar to calcium citrate, vitamin D3, zinc & magnesium tablets—highlight the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source. As awareness grows, the integration of crickets into our diets may become more prevalent.