Are bugs the future of food? This week, we dive into the world of edible insects, exploring whether they're just a passing fad or a sustainable solution to global food challenges. We examine the predicted market growth, with forecasts making the market to hit $1.09 billion by 2034.
We'll discuss:
- Why insects are being considered as a food source, highlighting the environmental and resource issues with traditional livestock farming.
- The impressive nutritional value of insects, packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
- The potential "ick factor" and cultural barriers to Western societies embracing entomophagy.
- The safety of insect-based foods, discussing the EU's approval of UV-treated mealworm powder as a novel food ingredient and the rigorous safety testing involved.