Are Consumers Aware of Sustainability Aspects Related to Edible Insects? Results from a Study Involving 14 Countries

Abstract

In recent years, edible insects have been suggested as an alternative food that is more sustainable compared with other sources of animal protein. However, knowledge about the sustainability aspects associated with this source of food may play a role in convincing consumers to adopt insects as part of their diet. In this context, the present study investigated the level of knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects in a group of people originating from 14 countries, with some naturally entomophagous and others not. To measure the knowledge, 11 items were selected and the scores obtained were tested with statistical tools (t-test for independent samples, analysis of variance—ANOVA) to search for differences according to sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, geographical origin, and consumption habits of edible insects. The obtained results showed that, in general, knowledge is moderate, with the values of the average scores for the 11 items investigated ranging from 0.23 ± 0.99 to 0.66 ± 1.02, on a scale ranging from –2 (=very low knowledge) to 2 (=very high knowledge). The highest scores were found for items relating to the lower use of animal feed and lower emission of greenhouse gases required for the production of insects compared with beef. When investigating the differences between groups of participants, significant differences were generally found, revealing a trend for higher knowledge among males and young adults, for participants residing in urban areas and in countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Poland, and for participants with higher education levels and higher incomes. When testing the influence of consumption variables on the level of knowledge, the results showed a higher knowledge for participants who had already consumed insects or are willing to consume them. Finally, it was observed that higher knowledge was found for participants whose motivation to consume insects related to curiosity, a wish to preserve the planet, the gastronomic characteristics of insects, and their nutritional value. In conclusion, these results clearly indicate a very marked influence of a number of variables on the knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects, and this may be helpful to delineate strategies to effectively raise knowledge and eventually increase the willingness to consider insects as a more sustainable alternative to partially replace other protein foods, even in countries where this is a not a traditional practice.

Awareness Level of Spatial Planning Tools for Disaster Risk Reduction in Informal Settlements in Mopani District, South Africa

“…The results also show that gender, income and education level were associated with the awareness level of the spatial planning tools for disaster risk reduction. The male respondents being more aware of spatial planning tools is supported by past studies [52,53]. In addition, the study found out that informal settlers with low incomes and low educational levels [54,55] showed low levels of awareness of spatial planning tools and are therefore more exposed to the possibility of loss of life and destruction of property [54].…”

Edible black ant Smith (Carebara vidua) as human food – A systematic review

“…Participants who ate insects out of curiosity, a desire to protect the environment, a desire to enjoy eating insects, and because of their nutritional value were those with relevant knowledge. These findings evidently demonstrate that a number of variables have a significant influence on people's knowledge of the sustainability of edible insects, which may be helpful in formulating strategies to spread awareness and eventually boost people's willingness to consider edible insects as a serious alternative to other protein foods, even in nations that are not accustomed to them (Guiné et al, 2022).…”

“…Besides, a study by van Huis et al (2013) revealed that edible insect harvesting, and collection can provide job opportunities and generate income at both household and industrial scale of processing. Guiné et al (2022) reported that the edible insect market in the Asia-Pacific region is forecasted to surpass US $270 million by 2024. Even though more than half of the market is currently dominated by Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the most significant growth is anticipated in North America and Europe due to the increasing market demand of edible insects for human consumption.…”

“…Results from a study reported by Guiné et al (2022) shed light on economic, social, geographic, and demographic factors and how they influence the perception on the sustainability of edible insects. This could serve as the first step in devising strategies that can promote a better flow of knowledge to different segments of the population.…”

Consumer Knowledge about Dietary Relevance of Fruits and Vegetables: A Study Involving Participants from Portugal and France

“…Parametric tests were used for data that presented a normal distribution (according to the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test) [ 25 ]. The tests used were the t -test for independent samples to compare between two groups and Analysis of Variance—ANOVA, complemented with a post hoc Tukey test to identify the differences between three or more groups [ 26 ].…”