# Artisan Arthropod Gourmet food and beverage offerings take edible insects mainstream. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 3, 2015 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/artisan-anthropod ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Artisan Arthropod trend? **Artisan Arthropod:** Once considered the realm of only the most adventurous culinary connoisseurs, gourmet food and beverage offerings infused with insects have propelled such dishes into the mainstream spotlight. Speaking to fears regarding food scarcity and the pursuit of natural sources of protein, the incorporation of insects into food and beverage suggests an evolving consumer understanding of the benefit of anything naturally sourced over man-made, as well as the flexibility of said consumers in attempting to re-position what was previously considered waste. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 30 to Oct 27, 2015 - Published: Nov 3, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Artisan Arthropod trend ### Edible Insects as Sustainable Protein With growing concerns over food scarcity and environmental sustainability, insects are seen as a natural source of protein with less of an impact on the planet, driving creative new food and beverage offerings. ### Insects as a Novelty Ingredient in Food and Drink As a novel and adventurous ingredient, insects are incorporated into food and drink offerings in new, surprising, and sometimes even humorous ways. ### Creative Ways to Overcome Insect Taboo In order to normalize the consumption of insects, companies create fun and inventive applications such as insect-infused bitters and insect pop-up eateries. ## What the Artisan Arthropod trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage The food and beverage industry can explore ways of incorporating insects in their products to cater to consumers' growing interests in sustainable protein, and creative ingredient applications. ### For Pest Control Pest control companies such as Rentokil can explore using events such as the 'pestaurant' to promote their brand and generate interest. ### For Alcohol and Beverage The alcohol and beverage industry particularly in the cocktail segment can create new and interesting beverages by incorporating edible insects or insect-based bitters. ## Workshop question What do consumers see as the most useless aspect of their experience with your brand? How could you change that into something productive? ## Trend signals for Artisan Arthropod Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 36%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Artisan Arthropod trend 4 featured examples from Jun 30 to Oct 27, 2015. - [Gourmet Insect Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-restaurant): This London Restaurant's Mouthwatering Menu is Entirely Bug-Based (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry has the potential to embrace insect-based ingredients and explore new culinary possibilities to cater to the growing demand for sustainable and uniq… - [Edible Insect Bitters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/added-to-cocktails): These Insect-Based Biters are Designed to Be Added to Cocktails (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the incorporation of insect-based ingredients into their product lines. - [Insect-Infused Pop-Up Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rentokil): Rentokil's Traveling 'Pestaurant' Celebrates the Brand's 80 Years (Category: Marketing) Implication: The Food and Beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of insect-based food by offering innovative and sustainable menu options. - [Cricket-Laced Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insectinfused-milkshake): 'Wayback Burgers' Launches an Insect-Infused Milkshake on its Menu (Category: Eco) Implication: The introduction of insect-infused milkshakes and beef jerky shakes opens up new possibilities for product innovation in the food and beverage industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)