Western Consumers Research Articles

Acceptance of insects as food in Germany: risk–benefit perceptions and the role of risk preferences

PurposeWith a growing world population and climate crises, edible insects are a promising alternative to conventional livestock. However, Western consumers are largely opposed to eating insects. The aim of this study is to investigate the acceptance of insects in a German sample with a specific focus on risk–benefit perceptions and risk preferences.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via an online survey (N = 569). Established scales for food neophobia (FN), risk perception, risk preference and acceptance were used. The statistical analyses included mean comparisons regarding acceptance and risk–benefit perceptions of unprocessed and processed insects. We further examined the role of perceived benefits and risks as well as risk preferences as determinants of acceptance via hierarchical multiple regressions.FindingsRespondents indicated lower perceived risks, and higher perceived benefits and thus higher acceptance for processed insect products as compared to whole insects. Risk perception was the strongest predictor of acceptance of unprocessed as well as processed insect food. Respondents who reported to have already eaten insects before exhibited higher risk preferences than those who had not.Originality/valueThis study specifically considered the role of risk preferences, which has been so far largely overlooked in consumer research on insect foods. The findings indicate that acceptance of insect food is mainly driven by risk perception rather than individual risk preferences. However, risk preferences should not be totally overlooked as they seem to play a role especially for unprocessed insects and the decision to try insects for the first time.

Who has an appetite for insects? Identifying segments of early adopters of insect-based food and their product attribute preferences: Insights from a choice experiment study in Germany

Despite well-documented scepticism among Western consumers about eating insects, there are groups of potential early adopters who will form the initial market for insect-based food. Understanding the different preferences of these potential early adopters is key to developing effective targeted marketing actions. This study aimed to identify segments of potential early adopters and their distinct product attribute preferences. Via an online survey in Germany (N = 922), we conducted discrete choice experiments using real packaging of insect-based meatballs and crackers. Latent class logit analysis identified four consumer segments for each product, three of which showed a willingness to buy the products. While these potential consumer groups varied in their price sensitivity and insect labelling preferences, they all attached the greatest importance to naturalness claims. Interestingly, sustainability and nutritional information were not top priorities for all consumers; instead we observed the importance of an institutional trust indicator, especially for unconvinced consumers. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide interesting insights for both researchers and practitioners to make informed marketing decisions in the development and labelling of insect-based products.

Segmenting and profiling seaweed consumers: A cross-cultural comparison of Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia

Seaweed is increasingly recognised as a highly nutritious and sustainable food source. While it has a long tradition in many Asian countries, it still only plays a minor role in the Western diet. The aim of this study was to identify and describe consumer segments that are more likely to intend to consume seaweed. An online survey was conducted with 1,621 participants from three Western countries (Australia, the United Kingdom and Croatia) with different cultures, culinary traditions and levels of development in the seaweed industry.Two consumer segments were identified: Food Enthusiasts and Food Conservatives. The profiling of these segments is based on factors oriented to consumers’ food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, food responsibility, health consciousness, and symbolic value. The segments differ significantly in terms of food innovativeness, food neophobia, food involvement, eating and dietary style, past behaviour around seaweed consumption, future intention to eat seaweed and socio-demographic characteristics. These results provide valuable insights for the seaweed industry to develop effective marketing strategies that will meet the demands of different Western consumers.

Less But Better—Pork Meat Will Become One of the Luxury Foods of the Future

The global demand for meat is projected to rise, necessitating a transformative shift in the meat industry towards sustainable and emission-neutral production models. For decades, price competition has driven intense rivalry among meat packers, with a focus on cost control and product differentiation. However, anticipated increases in input costs and challenges to meat supply present a unique opportunity for innovation. Meat production faces mounting pressures, particularly in Northern Europe, to transition from traditional industrialized systems to sustainable practices that address climate impacts. Despite substantial investments in alternative proteins, livestock remains an efficient converter of low-value inputs into high-value human nutrition. As meat becomes scarcer, its historical status as a luxury food is poised to resurface, offering a business opportunity for meat packers while prompting Western consumers to adopt more plant-rich diets. Technological advancements such as automation and AI have revolutionized meat production, enabling efficient processes, enhanced meat quality, and reduced environmental impacts. The future of meat production hinges on adopting circular and emission-neutral practices. The industry’s sustainability will depend on balancing efficiency with ecological harmony, transforming meat from a ubiquitous commodity to a luxury symbol of quality. Through technological innovation and a paradigm shift in production philosophy, the meat industry can meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

Effect of Jellyfish Body Parts and Presentation Form on Consumers Liking, Sensory Perception, Emotions, and Food Pairings.

Although jellyfish represent a food source in Asia, limited attention has been devoted to investigating Western consumers' perception and acceptance. This study explored the role of jellyfish body parts and presentation form in determining consumer perception. A local consumer test with 106 untrained subjects (57.5% female, 18-45 years) was performed in Italy over two days on six samples of jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum Kishinouye) differing in terms of body parts (umbrella and oral arms) and presentation form (minced, striped, and pieced). For each sample, participants expressed their overall liking and, through three check-all-that-apply tests, described their perceived sensory properties and emotions and potential preferred food pairings. The results showed a significant effect of presentation form on liking (with striped and minced samples liked more than pieced samples), 18 sensory properties, four emotions, and five food pairings. Moreover, different drivers of liking and emotions were observed for three clusters of subjects named "In favour of", "Against", and "Picky towards" eating jellyfish. In conclusion, this study found that at least one segment of consumers could accept jellyfish as novel food. Moreover, the provided results could be useful for developing innovative jellyfish-based products and dishes that meet consumers' expectations.

Chinese consumers’ lived experiences of flexitarianism

PurposeThis was an explorative study, the purpose of which was to understand how Chinese flexitarians were motivated to reduce their animal-based food consumption and specifically to explore why and what was behind these changes. Further, this study provides insights into how a transition towards a more plant-based diet might occur.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted 30 in-depth online interviews with Chinese flexitarians from two major Chinese cities. Interview transcripts were analysed through the lens of the Food Choice Process Model.FindingsParticipants adopted flexitarian diets due to health (n = 22), sustainability (n = 5) or ethical (n = 3) concerns. Many participants stated that they still enjoyed animal-sourced foods, were uncomfortable talking about their dietary transition and needed more social support. Consequently, most participants were unlikely to progress to vegetarian or vegan diets. While there are some commonalities between these findings and the results of similar studies with Western consumers, the many culturally and context-specific results revealed herein make an important contribution to the sustainability literature.Originality/valueThis is the first study exploring Chinese consumers’ flexitarianism experiences. These findings can be used by the food industry and interested business actors to improve communication and promotional strategies that encourage consumers to make healthier and more sustainable food choices.

Socioeconomic Dynamics in Kathmandu Valley: A World-System Perspective

The socioeconomic dynamics of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, are analyzed through the lens of World-System Theory, providing insights into its position within the global economic hierarchy. This theoretical framework, pioneered by Immanuel Wallenstein, categorizes nations into core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral regions based on their economic and structural positions in the global system. The Kathmandu Valley's spatial distribution of economic resources illustrates core-periphery dynamics, with urban centers like Kathmandu emerging as core areas boasting robust economic activities, while peripheral regions face marginalization and limited access to economic opportunities. Disparities in infrastructure development further highlight these dynamics, as core areas benefit from superior infrastructure, while peripheral regions contend with limited development, exacerbating urban-rural inequalities. Migration patterns within the Kathmandu Valley reflect responses to economic imbalances perpetuated by the global capitalist system, with rural residents migrating to urban centers in search of opportunities, straining urban infrastructure and widening disparities. Additionally, globalization's impact on cultural dynamics contributes to the homogenization of cultures, eroding traditional practices and identities in favor of Western consumer culture. Social stratification within Nepali society is reinforced by the hierarchical structure of the world-system, perpetuating cycles of privilege and disadvantage. Understanding these dynamics through World-System Theory highlights the interconnectedness of global and local processes, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address disparities and foster equitable development in the Kathmandu Valley.

Knowledge of traditional insect consumption impacts sensory perception and emotional responses to cookies containing crickets

Entomophagy has been proposed as a sustainable solution to increasing food demands worldwide. However, insect consumption is associated with negative attitudes, and this is a major barrier to consumption for many Western consumers. A consumer acceptability trial was conducted providing information about the nutritional benefits, sustainability benefits and traditional/current consumption of insects. The trial evaluated how this information affected Western consumers’ (residing in Atlantic Canada, n = 148) sensory perception and emotional response to cookies containing cricket powder. All participants evaluated an initial sample (cookie made with cricket powder) and were then randomly assigned to receive information about nutritional benefits (Nutritional), sustainable benefits (Sustainable) or traditional/current consumption of insects (Traditional) before evaluating a second cookie containing crickets. The information did not affect their hedonic response to the cookies, but it did change their sensory perception. Participants who were shown the Sustainable information more frequently selected nutty, dry, and hard, while participants that were shown the Traditional information, more frequently selected pale, and vanilla. Furthermore, the Nutritional information led to an increased selection of the disgusted emotion, while the Traditional information led to an increased selection of interested and a decreased selection of adventurous. Additionally, the Traditional information decreased the participants' beliefs that eating insects is disgusting and unnatural and will increase the risk of infectious diseases. The results indicate that information about traditional/current insect consumption is more impactful than nutritional and sustainability information on Western consumers’ attitudes towards entomophagy.

Jujube as a Florida Fruit Crop

Despite being cultivated in China for millennia, the Chinese jujube is mostly unknown to Western consumers. The fruits are borne from vigorous trees that are tolerant to drought and other stresses, as well as disease. A number of cultivars have been demonstrated to produce in Florida. This publication is a review of jujube genetics and management as this crop gains favor among growers on small farms and home growers.

The Impact of Information Presentation on Consumer Perceptions of Cricket-Containing Chocolate Chip Cookies

As a source of protein and other nutrients for a growing population, edible insect production offers environmental and sustainability advantages over traditional meat production. Although around 2 billion people consume insects worldwide, Western consumers are still reluctant to practice entomophagy, hindered largely by neophobia and negative emotions. In addition to sensory quality and safety, an informational component may be crucial to consumers’ decision making involving insect consumption. In this study, three different information types, namely text, image, and a tangible product, were used to convey information about chocolate chip cookies (CCCs) containing cricket flour. The nature of the information was related to the ingredient usage level (5%), the type of insect (cricket), nutritional values, sustainability benefits, packaging, celebrity endorsement, and/or visual appearance of an actual product. Consumers’ willingness to consume (WTC), acceptance, and purchase intent (PI) were measured in response to each informed condition. Once informed of the insect ingredient, all scores significantly (α = 0.05) dropped. The lowest WTC (1.97 ± 1.06, Text), acceptance (3.55 ± 2.23, Image), and PI (1.85 ± 1.05, Text) scores were found after identifying cricket as the insect ingredient. Compared to other informed conditions, the presentation of a real chocolate chip cookie containing insects achieved the highest scores on all affective scores (WTC: 3.4 ± 1.04, acceptance: 6.17 ± 1.89, PI: 3.07 ± 1.09). The greatest improvement in scores was observed after information about nutrition and sustainability benefits (based on ANOVA), which was more impactful for males than females (based on a t-test). Celebrity endorsement did not have a significant effect. The presentation of the actual CCC containing cricket flour (for visual observation only) significantly increased WTC, acceptance, and PI compared to presenting text and images alone. Acceptance, WTC, and certain information cues were significant predictors of PI for CCCs containing cricket flour.

Development of Healthy Snacks Incorporating Meal from Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus Using 3D Printing Technology.

This study analyzes the nutritional properties of edible insects, specifically Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus, and explores the potential of 3D printing technology to introduce a nutritious and tasty alternative to essential nutrients for Western consumers. An original formulation for the printing of snacks with microalgae was adapted to incorporate edible insects. Concentrations of 10% of edible insects, both isolated and mixed, were incorporated into the developed ink-doughs. Stress and frequency sweeps were performed on the doughs to understand the rheology and the impact on the internal structure to better adapt these materials to the 3D printing process. The nutritional profile of the developed snacks was assessed, revealing a significant amount of protein, enough to claim the snacks as a "source of protein", as well as an increased mineral profile, when compared to the control snack. The antioxidant profile and total phenolic content were equally assessed. Finally, a sensory analysis test was performed, comparing the control snack to three other samples containing 10% T. molitor, 10% A. diaperinus and 5% + 5% of T. molitor and A. diaperinus, respectively, resulting in a preference for the A. diaperinus and for the combination of the two insects. Considered as a "novel food", foods incorporating edible insects represent, in fact, the reintroduction of foods used in the West before the Middle Ages, when the Judeo-Christian tradition began to consider insects as not kosher. Educating consumers about the transition to novel foods can be helped by 3D printing food, as an innovative process that can be used to design creative rich animal protein snacks that make final products more appealing and acceptable to consumers.

Pork liver as a source of protein with excellent foaming properties

Pork liver is a protein-rich offal, generated in large quantities in the meat industry and considered non-allergenic, although not highly appreciated by Western consumers. The recovery of its proteins through a simple and easily scalable process with the purpose of obtaining economical and environmentally friendly techno-functional ingredients might be an alternative for its valorization. Of great interest are protein fractions with good foaming properties that can act as substitutes for other highly allergenic proteins in food formulation. In this study, protein extractions from fresh pork livers were performed using buffer solutions adjusted to different pH (from 4.0 to 8.5), without a subsequent concentration/purification step. The main parameters evaluated were yield and foaming properties of the recovered extracts; their physicochemical characteristics and the SDS-PAGE protein profiles were determined as well. Acceptable extraction yields (> 50% of the total protein) were obtained using buffer solutions adjusted to pH ≥ 4.80, but their foaming properties were poor. By contrast, the extracts recovered using buffers adjusted to pH ≤ 4.75 were capable of forming very voluminous and stable foams, although rather low yields were achieved under these conditions (31.5–36.0% of the total protein). In addition to the profile of solubilized proteins, a low fat and relatively high carbohydrate content in the extracts seem to contribute to their excellent foaming properties. Therefore, protein extracts from fresh pork liver obtained using buffer solutions adjusted to pH 4.0–4.5 (extract pH: 5.3–5.6) could be a real alternative to other protein foaming agents that cause food allergies, in a simple, cost-effective and sustainable way.

Transcultural Efficacy in Translation: A Skopos Comparative Analysis of Arabic and English Advertisements

There is a growing emphasis on localized advertisements that resonate with specific cultural or regional audiences. Translation is essential in this, making such content accessible and relatable to a wider audience from varied cultural backgrounds. This study zeroes in on the comparison of advertisements in Arabic and English, representative of the eastern and western consumer markets. We employ two theoretical lenses: the Skopos theory of Vermeer and Text Analysis model of Nord. Through this study, we aim to ascertain the effectiveness of translating advertisements between these two linguistic domains. Results hint that the challenge is not solely linguistic. Indeed, components such as regional distinctions, individual preferences, and pragmatic requirements come into play. That is why it becomes evident that for successful advertisement translation, linguistic expertise alone is not enough; a profound understanding of cultural differences is equally imperative to ensure the core message and appeal of the advertisement remain potent across different countries.

Financial risk management strategies of small to medium illicit drug enterprises: considering low-level money laundering

AbstractThe illicit drug trade generates billions of dollars in revenue per year, much of which comes from wholesale and retail sales late in the supply chain. Yet, the methods retailers and low-level wholesalers use to launder this revenue remain poorly understood. Using in-depth interviews with illicit drug entrepreneurs in the United States and the United Kingdom, this article analyses laundering strategies among such market actors. Our findings indicate that a significant proportion of their illicit proceeds are disposed of through relatively small-scale ‘everyday’ cash transactions (< $1,000) that are effectively untraceable. For those generating more substantial revenues, a variety of accessible and uncomplicated laundering strategies are employed, such as reporting such revenues as taxable income, using proxies to launder funds, and using revenues as investment capital within small-scale legal enterprise. Ultimately, we identify uncomplicated, yet largely effective, methods of laundering criminal proceeds amongst our sample of low- to medium-level illicit drug sellers. Though the sums at an individual level are relatively trivial, the ‘mass of minor offences’ of this nature likely accounts for a significant share of laundered drug revenues in Western consumer drug markets.

Exploring consumer perception of entomophagy by applying the Rasch model: data from an online survey

Abstract An online consumer survey, consisting of 23 closed questions divided into 9 sections, was conducted to investigate consumer perception of including edible insects in their diet. The data analysis was carried out using a variation of the classic Rasch-Andrich model for multiple choice questions. The online survey involved individuals (n = 327) from Italy and other 29 different European and non-European countries, with different ages, educational background and eating habits, selected from among people attending the University of Perugia. The analysis showed that the majority of participants (90%) were already aware of the term entomophagy, although only 19% of the participants had already eaten insects. Moreover, 42% of the participants would be willing to pay less than the equivalent of a hamburger to buy 10 g of insects and 93% would consider eating insects if necessary. The factors limiting entomophagy are mainly represented by neophobia, disgust, fear of allergic reactions and microbiological hazards. Furthermore, the majority would expect to find specific shelves in stores for insect-based products. Moreover, the majority of the participants accepted that pet or farm animals could be fed with insect-based products. Lastly, almost all the participants considered food safety of edible insects to be the responsibility of the national competent authorities, as required for other foods. The aim of this study was to address the current perceptions of modern consumers to entomophagy and discover the perceived advantages and disadvantages associated with the consumption of insects. Although it is difficult to predict whether edible insects can effectively represent the “food of the future” and whether they can really become part of western consumers’ diet, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that providing consumers with information not only on insects and the production methods used, but also on food safety measures can improve the consumer’s attitude towards entomophagy.

Consumer acceptance of and willingness to pay for animal food products from livestock fed insects in the United States

Abstract Insects have potential to be integrated into livestock feeding systems to enhance sustainability of food production. However, Western consumers generally oppose insects as food and it is unknown if U.S. consumers will accept animal food products from livestock fed insects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate U.S. consumers’ acceptance of and willingness to pay (WTP) for animal products from livestock fed insects with an emphasis on identifying underlying drivers that shape acceptance. We developed a questionnaire-based survey that was distributed via convenience sampling to adult U.S. consumers (n = 361). A multinomial logit model was used to identify drivers affecting consumer acceptance of insects as livestock feed; the dependent variable had three categories representing consumer attitude: supportive, neutral, or opposing. Of respondents, 34% accepted insects as livestock feed, 15% were opposed, and 52% were neutral. Respondents more likely to accept insects as livestock feed were younger (18-24 vs 35-44 years; ), had higher average household income ($50,000-$100,000 vs <$25,000; ), and higher educational attainment (master’s degree vs high school diploma; ). The factors that, if true, would most strongly influence consumer acceptance of insects as livestock feed were: ‘If I knew the insects were healthy for the livestock’ (74% of respondents); ‘If I knew it would not affect the balance of our eco-system’ (66%); and ‘If I knew it would lessen the environmental impact of livestock production’ (61%). For WTP, 21% of respondents were willing to pay less for animal products from livestock fed insects, 72% of were willing to pay the same, and 7% were willing to pay more. Our findings outline demographics of most likely U.S. consumers for animal products from livestock fed insects and indicate that outreach should highlight environmental, animal welfare, and economic benefits of insects as livestock feed to increase U.S. consumer adoption.

Insect consumption and aesthetic disgust: Using design fiction to imagine novel food experiences

Disgust is a strong emotion influencing human behaviour in many domains, including food choices. For example, many western consumers are hesitant about eating insects. This is understandable as insects have been connected with the emotion of disgust. We conducted two design workshops to gain a better understanding of factors that can give rise to the emotion of disgust in the context of grasshoppers and explore alternative food design solutions. Based on the insights, we created four design fiction examples to illustrate how disgust can be an integral part of grasshopper consumption. We argue that changing the attitude of Europeans towards novel food items like grasshoppers requires exploring design strategies that neither solely focus on the sustainability benefits of insect consumption nor take disgust to be something that must be circumvented.

Mitigation of undesirable volatile aroma compounds in kefir by freeze drying and vacuum evaporation.

Commercial kefir was recently found to be effective in curing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection when consumed alongside antibiotic treatment. However, kefir products have limited acceptance among Western consumers due to their characteristic flavor and texture. Plain, unsweetened commercial kefir with 1% milkfat was subjected to vacuum evaporation and freeze-drying processes to assess the effect on volatile organic compound concentration, sensory quality, and microbial viability. Vacuum evaporation and freeze-drying both significantly decreased the concentration of 26 out of 27 volatiles in the kefir (p<0.05), by an average of 61%. Vacuum evaporation exhibited an apparent greater reduction than freeze-drying in the concentrations of the ketones and aldehydes, while freeze-drying showed a more noticeable reduction in the concentrations of the acids, alcohols, and esters. While lowering the concentration of volatiles did not significantly improve the average consumer acceptance of commercial kefir, both treatments showed differences in the range of acceptability responses. Both treatments also produced a small but significant reduction in the concentrations of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus species present.

Russia was ‘Doomed to Expand [its] Aggression’ Against Ukraine: Cultural Property Criminals’ Responses to the Invasion and Occupation of the Donbas Since 20th February 2014

ABSTRACT This study explores how Russia’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine has affected cultural property crime and how cultural property criminals have responded to those practical, social, political and economic changes. To do so, this online ethnography draws on netnographic data from 184 artefact-hunters across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Greece, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, two artefact-dealers and one violent political operator, whose discussions spanned 19 online communities. It examines the legal fictions and legal nihilism of antiquities looters; the criminal operations of antiquities looters and antiquities traffickers in the occupied territories of Ukraine; the international networks of artefact-hunters that facilitate the trading of equipment and antiquities, plus the movement of the artefact-hunters themselves and the conduct of their criminal operations. Thereby, it documents the pollution of Western markets with tainted cultural goods from the occupied territories of Ukraine and elsewhere in Eastern Europe and the contribution of Western consumers to the conflict economy.

플러스 사이즈 모델의 지각된 사이즈가 신체 만족에 미치는 영향 : 지각된 유사성과 신체 사이즈 변화 가능성에 대한 암묵적 신념의 조절된 매개 효과

The use of size-inclusive advertising in Western fashion markets has been well-received by consumers. However, the effect of such advertising on South Korean consumers has yet to be fully understood. To address this gap, we investigated the effect of inclusive advertising using plus-size models in the South Korean fashion market. Specifically, we examined the influence of perceived size of a plus-size model and perceived similarity to a plus-size model on body satisfaction, considering the moderated mediation effect of implicit belief about the malleability of body sizes. Data were collected through an online survey administered to 307 South Korean women in their 20s and 30s and analyzed using the SPSS Process Macro. Our findings show that perceived size of a plus-size model had a negative impact on body satisfaction. Furthermore, perceived similarity to a plus-size model mediated this causal relationship. We also discovered that the mediated relationship was moderated by implicit belief about the malleability of body sizes. This study highlights that, unlike Western consumers, South Korean consumers still respond unfavorably to size-inclusive fashion advertising featuring plus-size models. Therefore, differentiated advertising strategies are necessary for this market.