A new study published in the journal 'npj Sustainable Agriculture' concludes that efforts to promote insect consumption as a sustainable alternative to meat are failing due to widespread public disgust, particularly in Western countries. Despite the significant environmental benefits of insect farming over traditional livestock, consumer reluctance and economic barriers mean insects are unlikely to replace meat, with most companies focusing on animal feed rather than human consumption.
‘Yuck factor’: eating insects rather than meat to help the planet is failing, study finds
InsectsMeat industryMeat-freeEnvironmentClimate crisisAnimalsFarmingFoodVegetarianismVeganismUnited StatesEuropeWorld
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new study published in the journal 'npj Sustainable Agriculture' concludes that efforts to promote insect consumption as a sustainable alternative to meat are failing due to widespread public disgust, particularly in Western countries. Despite the significant environmental benefits of insect farming over traditional livestock, consumer reluctance and economic barriers mean insects are unlikely to replace meat, with most companies focusing on animal feed rather than human consumption.
Trending- 1 Recent years: Efforts to encourage people to eat insects.
- 2 2023: Denmark unveils a plan to reduce meat eating and bolster plant-based foods.
- 3 June 25, 2025: Study published finding public disgust hinders insect consumption.
- 4 Coming decades: Global meat consumption expected to increase.
- Insect-based foods are unlikely to significantly replace traditional meat options.
- Global meat consumption is projected to increase, exacerbating environmental stresses.
- Resources should be redirected towards more promising alternatives like plant-based foods.
- Governments face political backlash when attempting to curb meat consumption.
What: A study found that public disgust, especially in Western countries, is a major barrier preventing insects from becoming a significant meat alternative, despite their environmental benefits.
When: The study's findings were published on June 25, 2025. Efforts to encourage insect eating have been ongoing in recent years. Denmark unveiled its plant-based food plan in 2023. Global meat consumption is expected to increase in the coming decades.
Where: The study's focus is on Western countries (United States, Europe). Denmark is mentioned for its plant-based food policy. China is noted for rising meat consumption.
Why: The primary motivation for promoting insect consumption is to mitigate the heavy environmental toll of traditional livestock farming, which contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
How: Researchers analyzed public polling data (showing low willingness to try insects compared to plant-based alternatives) and observed economic barriers, such as companies prioritizing insect farming for animal feed. They concluded that cultural 'yuck' factors and lack of culinary tradition are difficult to overcome.