An Insight into the Level of Information about Sustainability of Edible Insects in a Traditionally Non-Insect-Eating Country: Exploratory Study

Abstract

Insects have been reported as a possible alternative solution to help feed the growing world population with less stress on the planet, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment and natural ecosystems. However, the consumption of edible insects (EIs), although culturally accepted for some communities, is not readily accepted for others. Hence this work explores the level of information that people in a traditionally non-insect-eating country have about the sustainability issues related with EIs, and also some possible reasons that could motivate their consumption. The study was based on a questionnaire survey and the results were explored by descriptive statistic tools, tree classification analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the level of information is still low in general, with most people not manifesting an opinion. However, some aspects are relatively familiar to the participants (88.9% know that the ecological footprint of insects is smaller than other meats and 86.9% know that they efficiently convert organic matter into protein). Factor and cluster analysis showed three classes: cluster 1—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements and also not able to distinguish the false information; cluster 2—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were able to distinguish the false information; and cluster 3—people well informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were marginally unable to distinguish the false information. It was also found that education, sex and professional area are the most relevant sociodemographic factors associated with the level of information, and the highest motivations to consume EIs are their contribution to preserve the environment and natural resources followed by being a more sustainable option (for 64.7% and 53.4% of participants, respectively). Hence it was concluded that, although some work still needs to be done to better inform people about EIs, there is already some conscientiousness that they constitute a good and more sustainable alternative to other types of meat.

Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge and Perceptions about Edible Insects

“…Sousa [55] reported low adherence to MD in Portugal, with a high impact on cardiovascular diseases. Although edible insects are not a traditional food in Portugal, studies have demonstrated that people are to some extent prone to start consuming products that contain edible insects as a complement to their diet, mostly motivated by their sustainability aspects [8,20]. This confirms that people are aligned with the need to promote more sustainable food supply chains in order to meet the goals established under the SDG of the UN.…”

“…It has been estimated that the regular consumption of insects has been part of the traditional diets of over two billion people worldwide [7]. Insects have been identified as a more sustainable alternative when compared with other, more conventional animal protein sources [6,[8][9][10]. In this way, they can contribute to greatly relieving the pressure on the planet and on ecosystems given the imminent need to feed the world population, which is constantly growing.…”

Sustainable or Not? Insights on the Consumption of Animal Products in Poland

“…Due to the above, it is also important to verify consumers’ knowledge. For example, the study by Guine et al [ 84 ] shows that although the knowledge about the sustainability and consumption of insects in some countries is quite common, many consumers still rely on misconceptions. Therefore, this is significantly dependent on the national educational strategies which would be based on such direct motivational techniques as encouraging tasting.…”

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Broods: Composition, Technology and Gastronomic Applicability

“…Although eating insects is considered normal in many areas of the globe where this practice is culturally accepted and valued, it is also true that in other regions of the world, people have developed a solid reluctance to entomophagy [ 44 , 45 ]. Over two billion people worldwide consume insects regularly as part of their traditional diets [ 46 ].…”