Alabdulmohsen Samar Refat, Al-Otaibi Hala Hazam
Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Agricultural and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Foods. 2025 Jul 24;14(15):2590. doi: 10.3390/foods14152590.
Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative protein source, addressing global challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the willingness and acceptance of edible insects as sustainable alternative protein sources among Saudi participants, focusing on sociodemographic and attitudinal factors. A cross-sectional survey involving 2208 participants revealed that males and younger individuals (18-34 years) exhibited greater willingness to consume EIs, driven by environmental concerns, health benefits, and positive beliefs. Women and older participants showed higher levels of food neophobia, disgust, and uncertainty. Sociocultural barriers such as fear, a lack of familiarity, and perceptions of edible insects as unclean or forbidden were significant obstacles to acceptance and willingness. Interestingly, the education level did not significantly influence willingness, suggesting that cultural and religious norms may overshadow its impact. These findings underscore the need for targeted campaigns emphasizing the health, environmental, and sustainability benefits of edible insects, alongside culturally sensitive approaches to overcome psychological and social barriers. This research provides valuable insights to guide strategies for integrating EIs into Saudi diets as a step toward enhanced food security and environmental sustainability.
可食用昆虫正成为一种可持续且环保的替代蛋白质来源，以应对全球粮食安全和环境可持续性方面的挑战。本研究调查了沙特参与者将可食用昆虫作为可持续替代蛋白质来源的意愿和接受程度，重点关注社会人口统计学和态度因素。一项涉及2208名参与者的横断面调查显示，男性和较年轻个体（18 - 34岁）出于对环境的关注、健康益处和积极信念，表现出更高的食用可食用昆虫的意愿。女性和年长参与者表现出更高程度的食物新恐惧症、厌恶感和不确定性。诸如恐惧、缺乏熟悉度以及将可食用昆虫视为不洁净或被禁止的食物等社会文化障碍，是接受度和意愿的重大阻碍。有趣的是，教育水平并未对意愿产生显著影响，这表明文化和宗教规范可能掩盖了其影响。这些发现强调了开展有针对性活动的必要性，这些活动既要强调可食用昆虫的健康、环境和可持续性益处，又要采用文化敏感方法来克服心理和社会障碍。这项研究提供了宝贵的见解，以指导将可食用昆虫纳入沙特饮食的策略，作为迈向增强粮食安全和环境可持续性的一步。
