Consumer Acceptance of Meat from Animals Reared on Insect Meal as Feed

Abstract

Insect protein production requires much less land, feed, and water, and thus has a much smaller ecological footprint than animal protein production, which is important for reducing global warming. Poultry, pigs, and fish consume insects in nature, so insect meal could be a good substitute for soybean and fishmeal as a protein source in diets. The aim of this study was to examine consumer opinion on meat that originated from animals whose diet contained insect meal. The study was conducted in Hungary in 2020 (N = 414). On a scale of 1–7, respondents gave much lower scores (3.96) to this product than that which originated from a free-range system (5.11; p < 0.001). Male, more highly educated, and 30–39 year-old respondents gave significantly higher scores than other groups. The most important factor in accepting insect meal in animal feed was “no risk”, while the least important factor was “replacement of Genetically Modified (GM) soybeans”. Since free-range animals also consume insects, the difference in the attitude of respondents was based on their aversion to insects, while accepting free-range as the best animal welfare system. Thus, more emphasis should be placed on the benefits of insect meal in animal feed in order to bring about awareness and acceptance.

Consumers’ Perspectives on Eggs from Insect-Fed Hens: A UK Focus Group Study

“…This French study showed that while less neophobic consumers were more likely to accept insects as feed, part of the sample appeared disgusted by the idea of eating insect-fed fish. This result is in line with the study of Szendrő, Nagy, and Tóth conducted in Hungary [ 14 ]. Despite disgust and neophobia negatively influencing acceptance and intentions, studies agreed that this effect appeared to be less strong for insects as feed than as food [ 8 , 13 ] and could be overcome by informing consumers about the benefits of eating insect-fed foodstuffs [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 20 ].…”

“…Consequently, consumers need to be provided with reliable information to increase their confidence and trust in the product. In line with other studies, the provision of comprehensive information about the benefits of feeding hens with insects may enhance awareness and, in turn, increase consumers' intentions to consume and purchase the product [13][14][15]20].…”

“…In recent years, consumers have shown increasing acceptance for insect-fed foodstuffs, in particular for insect-fed fish and chicken [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, given the novelty of insects as feed, it is perhaps unsurprising that research in this area is limited.…”

“…However, given the novelty of insects as feed, it is perhaps unsurprising that research in this area is limited. The available literature embodies mainly studies on insect-fed fish [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], studies on insects as feed in general [ 8 , 14 ], and only a few studies that considered insect-fed chickens as a part of broader research [ 7 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Based on the study of Szendrő, Nagy, and Tóth [ 14 ], knowledge of the enhanced animal welfare associated with insect-fed animals may increase its acceptance by Hungarian consumers. Furthermore, as stated by Roma, Palmisano, and De Boni [ 13 ] and Bazoche and Poret [ 20 ], information on environmental benefits may increase positive intentions among Italian and French consumers.…”