Bugs Are Off the Menu: Why Eating Insects Won’t Save the Planet
Published 12 days ago in News

Bugs Are Off the Menu: Why Eating Insects Won’t Save the Planet

Despite their environmental benefits, eating insects faces a major roadblock—the deep-rooted disgust that most people just can’t shake.

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Martina Osmak
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Insects: The Eco-Friendly Protein That Nobody Wants

In theory, swapping steak for crickets sounds like a win for the planet. Insects use far less land, water, and resources than traditional livestock, making them an attractive solution to curb climate change. But reality isn’t so simple.

A new study published in npj Sustainable Agriculture reveals that, for most people, eating bugs is a hard no—especially in Western countries where the idea sparks more disgust than enthusiasm.

The Environmental Case for Eating Bugs

The numbers don't lie. Raising cattle, pigs, and chickens takes a heavy toll on the environment. In contrast, insects like crickets, ants, and grasshoppers can be farmed with minimal resources, offering a greener source of protein.

Bug Burgers? Most People Just Can’t Stomach the Idea

Despite the ecological advantages, people just aren’t biting. Surveys show:

✅ 91% of people are open to plant-based meats
❌ Only 20% would even consider eating insects

Cultural disgust runs deep. As co-author Dustin Crummett explains, “Changing longstanding culinary traditions and deep-seated disgust reactions is hard to do from the top down.”

In short: moral arguments and sustainability slogans aren’t enough to change what’s on people’s plates.

Market Realities: Bugs for Animals, Not Humans

The market has spoken, and insect farming is booming—but mostly for animal feed, not human food. Aside from a few protein bar companies sneaking crickets into snacks, there’s little sign of insects replacing meat in any meaningful way.

Even in countries with a history of eating insects, global demand remains tiny compared to meat consumption, which is still rising worldwide—especially in newly wealthy regions like China.

The Future: Focus on What Works

Governments have been slow to act on meat reduction, fearing public backlash. Denmark is an exception, rolling out policies to promote plant-based diets.

Crummett agrees: “You have to meet people where they are. Make things tasty, affordable, and easy—not just guilt-trip them.”

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/25/eating-insects-meat-planet