Eating insects – from acceptable to desirable consumer products

Abstract

There is a considerable amount of research into consumer acceptance of insects as food in high-income countries. Most of this research has focussed on identifying the reasons why consumers either resist or are enticed into trying eating insects. In this paper I argue that consumers trying insects is an insufficient, albeit necessary first, step towards creating a relevant market for insects as food. I advocate that the creation of such a market requires an increase in research into what makes insect products desirable rather than merely acceptable.