The potential of insects as food sources - a review

• Published in: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition Vol. 60; no. 21; pp. 3642 - 3652
• Main Authors: de Carvalho, Nelson Mota, Madureira, Ana Raquel, Pintado, Manuela Estevez
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 29.11.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Developing countries; Edible insects; entomophagy; Food; food science; Food sources; insect powder; Insects; LDCs; Neophobia; nutrition; insect powder; nutrition; Edible insects; neophobia
• ISSN: 1040-8398; 1549-7852; 1549-7852
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1703170

Entomophagy is a long-time practice and a food source for many cultures. Still, many societies have abandoned it a long time ago, and regard it as a primal behavior. However, nowadays, the challenge for food demand, with the urge of new nutritional sources, and the problems of undernourishment, mainly on underdeveloped countries, has reached a point where a new perspective is demanded. This review gathers some of the most recent studies regarding the potential benefits and concerns of entomophagy, trying to show the potential of insects as food source and possible ways to introduce them in cultures that have disregarded entomophagy. Entomophagy is taking its place, showing the grand potential of insects as feed and food source. As neophobia and disgust are the main western cultures barriers to accept entomophagy, today's comprehension of this practice and processing capabilities can take that source, to any dish in any form. A simple but nutritive insect powder can create a path to a widely, sustainable, rich food source-insects.