Nudging the acceptance of insects-fed farmed fish among mature consumers

Abstract

The increased demand for aquaculture products is raising concerns over the impact it has on the environment. Fish-based feed contributes to the unsustainability of aquaculture, as it puts pressure on the current stock of wild fish. Insect-based feed is widely considered a viable replacement for fish-based feed, due to its positive impact on fish nutrition, and its ability to make the system more circular. However, consumer acceptance might be limited, particularly mature consumers, who are typically more reluctant to accept novel foods. Using a Structural Equation Model, this article investigates how information and priming influence the acceptability of insect-farmed fish among Italian consumers aged 55 and over. We show that informing or priming consumers with images of the environment and nature can change consumers’ beliefs about alternative feeds, favoring in turn their attitude toward insect-farmed fish and their consumption intentions. Our findings indicate that behavioral interventions can facilitate the acceptance of novel foods, therefore supporting the development of a more sustainable aquaculture system.