In 2023, eating insects is no longer just a part of environmental activities, but is gradually becoming a food on the American table. However, an important question arises: Are consumers really ready to embrace this change?

Despite the many benefits that edible insects are widely recognized for planetary health and sustainability, for most children and their parents in the United States, serving insects at dinner may still be hesitant. While some may venture to try mealworm tacos at food festivals, it seems like it will take a while to get used to being the main source of protein.

From a sustainability perspective, this notion is reasonable. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global agricultural production needs to increase by about 70% to meet projected population needs by 2050. Currently, about 80 percent of the world's arable land is used to raise livestock, yet livestock products meet only about 20 percent of the world's caloric needs.

Insects are rich in protein and minerals,  and are far less efficient than traditional animal husbandry in terms of space use and energy consumption. It is estimated that insect farming uses about 50% less water and 75% less carbon emissions than animal husbandry.

However, despite these obvious advantages, according to the latest data from Data Bridget market research, the current U.S. edible insect market is worth only $30.9 million. In other words, the U.S. edible insect market accounts for only 0.38% of the meat market. In contrast, U.S. beef sales reached $30.6 billion in 2022, with total meat sales of $87.1 billion.

While there is still plenty of room for growth in edible insects in the U.S. market, the question now is: when will this shift take place, and will it unfold quickly?

A recent YouGov survey revealed that only 18% of Americans would be willing to eat an insect directly, while 25% said they would be willing to try foods that contain insects. However, despite the fact that there are already a variety of edible insect products on the market, it seems that people who actually incorporate them into their daily diets are still in the minority.

Despite the challenges, several entrepreneurs, environmental activists, and chefs have been working to promote Americans' habit of tasting insects and bring this sustainable option to their tables. However, the market size is still relatively small, and there are various cultural and legal challenges to contend with.

Gary Michael, the founder of Farm2Me, said that the market is very interesting, with thousands of brands on Farm2Me, but only two edible insect products are available on the site, one of which is designed specifically for pets.

They found that, like other eco-conscious retailers, the market for edible insects is still not fully mature. Insects are rich in vitamins and minerals, rich in protein, fibre, and have many potential climate benefits. However, one of the main challenges facing this area today is a cultural shift. At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) largely does not regulate edible insects, which is one of the challenges faced by businesses.

Law professor Laurie Beyranevand believes that if the FDA does begin to develop a formal regulatory approach, it will mean that the market is large enough to be brought to the attention of the FDA.

While the market size is still small, the edible insect movement has attracted the attention of chefs, environmental advocates, and entrepreneurs from different fields. They called for a shared recognition that eating insects is not only a dietary choice, but also part of sustainable development, science and food production. However, achieving this goal will require a concerted effort across disciplines, including changing people's perceptions of edible insects.

Some well-known insect food companies have recently turned to other products or closed their operations, but are still showing positive signs of development. The edible insect movement has also been supported by a number of chefs, entrepreneurs, and celebrities, whose efforts may advance the field.

Although the market size is still to be expanded, some companies are already focusing on emerging markets: insects as a source of feed for poultry and fish. This trend is considered sustainable because feeding animals with insects is more environmentally friendly than traditional feed.

Many manufacturers have already ventured into this market, using insects as raw materials for animal feed, pet food, and fertilizers. This sustainable farming method not only reduces the need for land, but also helps to reduce carbon emissions. In this area, companies like Innovafeed and Ynsect demonstrate the wide range of applications for insects.

Although it is not currently common to consume whole insects in the United States, pet food or livestock feed with added insect ingredients appears to be more popular. Insect powder and similar products may be an opportunity to push insect consumption into the mainstream, but it remains to be seen whether it will actually be accepted at the dinner table.

With the growing concern for the protection of the planet, the outlook for edible insects has become more optimistic. While there are still many cultural and legal hurdles to overcome, insect farming offers a viable option to improve the health of the planet. To achieve long-term success in edible insects, interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained efforts are essential.

Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, we will see more innovative dishes on the table that feed on insects, a change that will become part of the way humans treat food.