A Comparative Study of Insect-Based Food Acceptance in the Dietary Habits of Portuguese Couples
Aim: The rising global population and shifting dietary patterns are increasing the demand for sustainable food sources, particularly alternative proteins. Edible insects, though presenting nutritional, health, and environmental benefits, remain underutilized due to low consumer acceptance and poor sensory properties. Enhancing public perception through education about their benefits and sensory properties may improve acceptance and social and cultural norms. This study evaluates consumer responses to three insect-based foods (IBFP – pasta, granola, and cereal bar) integrated into familiar Portuguese meals, with a particular interest in evaluating the real intake consumed, sensory profile, and the overall acceptability of the products.
Method: Eighty couples were recruited to participate in the consumer interventions. To specifically assess consumer perception of insect-based foods, a control group evaluated comparable plant-based meals currently available on the market. Couples were randomly assigned to receive either insect-based or plant-based food baskets, each containing three family-sized meals per week over a three-week period. After preparing the meals, both partners independently assessed their overall liking for the protein alternative. The studies were designed to assess the participants' ability to incorporate the alternative protein into their diet, so food frequency questionnaires were administered at an early stage of the study and also one month after the end of the study, in order to make this assessment. At the same time, other individual questionnaires were used to characterize the eating habits of all the participants.
Results: Overall results of the home exposure revealed interesting effects on the taste of the product, showing a maintenance of acceptability over the exposure time.
Conclusion: The intervention study revealed insights on insect-based product development and consumers’ liking.
Publish date 2025-11-18
Author(s) Bruna Barbosa, Daniela Campelo, Célia Rocha, José Carlos Ribeiro, Rui Costa Lima, Luís Miguel Cunha
