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.
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