Perception of Edible Insects in Hungary Online Survey Among University Students and Graduates
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Abstract
We studied consumer perception of edible insects among university students and fresh graduates in Hungary. Edible insects are alternative protein sources and should be authorised as novel foods in the European Union. There is no history of insect consumption in Europe, where neophobia and lack of information are major barriers to insect eating.
We briefly discuss the history of their consumption, the role they play, regulatory aspects, consumer attitudes measured so far, and how they could be incorporated into the diet. The literature review is followed by the description of our online questionnaire (N=440).
The results clearly demonstrate that the consumers surveyed had very little knowledge about edible insects, but they would be open to try and taste them, in case they had more information. The respondents’ first associations were of disapproval and far-away (exotic) regions, while protein source and sustainability were also mentioned spontaneously. Interestingly, men accepted such a novel food more than women. But no similarly significant differences were observed across age groups, although young people seemed to be more receptive. In case insects would not resemble their original state, but would be presented to consumers in the form of insect flour, powder, or oil, then they would be much more accepting of edible insects. We believe that our study—although it was not representative—should be continued, for example via focus groups with insect tastings.
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