Edible insects may be one of the contemporary food issues and one of the most controversial. In business and scientific circles, the discussion is accompanied by words such as “sustainability,” “innovation,” and “food crisis,” while among potential consumers this discussion is mainly accompanied by expressions of disgust and skepticism.
To date, hundreds of insect species have been recorded that can be safely consumed by humans. For some of them, consumption is neither a novelty, nor an innovation, nor some bright entrepreneurial idea. In various cultures, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, people have been consuming insects for centuries—either whole or after processing. In Greece as well, insect tastings are being conducted by the University of Thessaly…
In Europe
Approval for consumption within the EU of the dried larva of the yellow mealworm has already been granted since 2021. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved four insect species for human consumption: the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), crickets with the scientific name Acheta domesticus, locusts with the scientific name Locusta migratoria, and partially defatted mealworm larvae. These insects are already used in various food products in Europe, such as protein bars, baked goods, pasta, and plant-based burgers. Mainly through online stores, one can purchase them even today in Greece.
The consumption of insects in Europe falls under a strict legislative framework that requires evaluation and approval. These decisions are based on assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which examines scientific data before giving the green light. In many European cities, tasting events are organized. In Turin this coming June, a tasting by approximately 400 people of bread and biscuits containing insects will take place.
In Greece
Recently, it became known that the first insect farming and vertically integrated production unit for edible insects has been created in Greece, with the aim of developing products also for human consumption. In this farm, as those responsible have stated, two insect species have been selected: Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) and Acheta domesticus (common cricket).
At the unit, fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded will be used to feed the insects. The primary goal is the production of odorless, highly nutritious, and soil-improving fertilizer. At a second stage, pet feed will be produced, as well as live worms for aquaculture and poultry farms. The third stage will be the production of energy balls, cereal bars, and protein powder for human consumption.
What Consumers Say…
Those responsible already have in their hands the first data from an ongoing study investigating awareness, knowledge, and beliefs regarding alternative proteins and edible insects in Greece. However, existing studies show high levels of distrust, with indicators exceeding 85%, and consumers stating that they have neither tried nor would like to try them in the future. Distrust decreases by approximately 10% when insects are not visible in the final product.
Distrust is high primarily due to cultural tradition, but also due to lack of information, fear of allergies, conspiracy theories, etc. Nevertheless, younger generations, as well as women, appear more willing to try, with the rate of distrust also remaining high at around 70%.
Here, it is worth noting that the well-known E120 in foods corresponds to carmine, a natural red coloring produced from dried female insects of the species Dactylopius coccus, and is found in many foods consumed by humans.
…and How the “Deniers” React
It is mainly the lack of knowledge that also gives rise to extreme reactions. In recent statements by professors and entrepreneurs who wish to engage with edible insects, there was a barrage of reactions mainly on social media, with some of the “targets” resorting to the justice system over threatening messages—even against their lives—while the issue of entomophagy reached Parliament via Kyriakos Velopoulos in a manner that reignited conspiracy theories.
From the side of the University of Thessaly, which is heavily involved with the subject, legal action has also been taken over threats received by university professors. Scientific studies have shown that the average person in the Western world consumes between half a kilogram and one kilogram of insects per year without knowing it, through other foods.
A characteristic example of reactionary ignorance is recent posts concerning the “Violanta” food industry, with insinuations of arson because the company refused to use insect flours, which gathered thousands of likes and supportive comments…
Due to the high protein content of these insects and their multiple uses, there is strong interest from the research and academic community in edible insects and their management. Across Europe, approximately 400 universities are involved in one way or another with edible insects, and hundreds of companies already produce animal feed, cosmetics, and other products, generating turnovers of millions of euros
