The role of edible insects to mitigate challenges for sustainability

This review is focused on the utilization of insects as a new opportunity in food and feed products, including their commercialization both in traditional and new markets. It has been suggested that insects are considerably more sustainable when compared with other sources of animal protein, thus alleviating the pressure over the environment and the planet facing the necessity to feed the world population, constantly increasing. Many chefs have adhered to the trend of using insects in their culinary preparations, bringing insects to the plan of top gastronomy, highlighting their organoleptic qualities allied to a recognized high nutritional value. However, in some markets, insects or insect-based products are not readily accepted because of neophobia and disgust. Moreover, the insect markets, farming, and commercialization are experiencing a huge growth, in which the domain of animal feed is undoubtedly a very strong component. The future of insects as human food and animal feed seems promising in view of the recent trends and challenges.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the utilization of insects as a new opportunity in food and feed products, highlighting their sustainability and high nutritional value. It also discusses the challenges in markets where insects are not readily accepted due to neophobia and disgust, while pointing out the significant growth in insect markets, farming, and commercialization. The future of insects as human food and animal feed seems promising based on recent trends and challenges.