Consumer Acceptance of Edible Insect-Based Foods in Italy

Edible insects are consumed regularly in many parts of the world due to their nutritional profile or environmental factors. However, in Western countries, entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) is not yet common, and one major reason for this is consumer acceptability. This study aims to investigate consumer acceptability of edible insects in Italy through a survey .105 participants completed a structured survey assessing food neophobia, food technology neophobia, insect-related fear, prior exposure, knowledge, and willingness to consume insect-based products. The results indicated that males are more willing to try edible insect-based foods than females, and prior exposure increases the willingness to try them. Findings also indicate that most open consumer profiles have low food neophobia, food technology neophobia, and insect phobia. The most widely accepted way to consume insects in Italy is incorporated into familiar food products. This research contributes valuable insights into factors influencing attitudes and willingness to eat edible insects in Italy.