Consumer acceptance of entomophagy in Belgium: insect-based food appropriateness and influence of personal factors

Abstract

Abstract The issue of consumer acceptance is largely investigated in the literature relative to entomophagy, as edible insects are not a common part of European food habits. This topic was also discussed in the current study, which analysed 1,382 responses to an online survey in Belgium. The first aim of this research was to study the potential influence of personal factors, including field of work, on consumer acceptance. The second objective was to determine the most appropriate context for entomophagy, regarding timing and style of preparation. Gender, nationality and field of work of respondents were identified as influencing factors, while age was identified as a factor that did not impact consumer acceptance. Personal factors that influenced acceptance must be used as discriminating factors to select willing consumers of edible insects. Regarding context, edible insects were not appropriate at breakfast, while they were considered as snacks. Such considerations provide useful information in determining the most appropriate insect-based food for European markets.