In a variety of Asian countries there are authentic delicacies already for a long time and, for reasons of future necessity, the insects in Europe are starting to arrive. Now, the non-existent culture that is in our continent for the consumption of crickets, ants, grasshoppers, etc. It is still one more incipient option to introduce into the European diet. Although you can already enjoy some products made with such a special raw material. Of course, from there to whole bugs they are eaten frequently as one more dish of any gastronomy of European countries, there is a good slice. Like or dislike?
As substitutes, very few adherents
Bet on the insects in Europe it would also serve to reduce the consumption of other traditional foods, deeply rooted in our diet. But that, lately, they are having detractors or people who prefer to choose other products of vegetable origin. The number of vegan consumers who neglect meat consumption is growing more and more. And the bugs, so popular in some Asian cuisines, they want to play their role as an alternative to substitution of meats.
That is why a recent survey by the consumer association BEUC has revealed something very interesting and it is that only one in ten Europeans would be willing to eat insects instead of Red meat. Only the 10,3% would take them (in those cases) while 12,4% would bet on fillets born in the laboratory. Something that also shows the little faith in these innovative substitutes that people from 11 Member States between October and November 2019.
In contrast, vegetable options they do enjoy greater acceptance, as a third of those surveyed do shuffle them. As long as they are not GM (Genetically modified organisms). However, the highest percentage is taken by foods with a long tradition in our diets. We talk about vegetables, that have up to a 60,3% of favorable opinions to eat their dishes or vegetable stews. All this always instead of sinking your teeth into a meat product.
Reasons not to prefer insects in Europe
Since the survey was intended to draw conclusions about the sustainable foods of the future, one question was about the concern for sustainability. More than half of those surveyed think that this aspect does have something to do with what they eat, but not much. And from this issue derive the reasons why consumers do not bet more on products like this: lack of information, price and limited availability. Even the challenge of identifying alternatives of this style is considered an obstacle.
So, given the results obtained by BEUC, the association believes that it is best to promote the production and consumption of both vegetables and legumes. Because the insects in Europe do not convince. At least for now. What will happen in the future? Will they gain followers? What is your opinion?
