# Critter Crunch Insects are serving as a great alternative to pet food. By [Chayeanne Garvida](https://www.trendhunter.com/chayg24), Research Advisor | Published Jun 20, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/critter-crunch ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Critter Crunch trend? **Critter Crunch:** As sustainable practices continue to evolve and impact a variety of industries, insect protein is emerging in the food and beverage space, and now it's making its way to the pet industry. These insect-based pet foods speak to the consumer desire to maintain balanced diets for their pets, and cater to the broader desire for cost-effective and sustainable purchase decisions. ## The consumer insight behind the Critter Crunch trend The average North American consumer today deals with some apprehension about what the future will look like with global issues like climate change at play. Because of these anxieties, consumers are making small changes in their day-to-day in order to feel better about their personal impact on the environment–as well as slowly grow accustomed to the inevitable changes that they'll one day have to make as climate change progresses. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 9, 2016 to Oct 4, 2019 - Published: Jun 20, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Critter Crunch trend ### Insect protein The rise of insect protein as a sustainable alternative in the food and beverage industry has extended to pet food with a focus on balanced diets and eco-friendly purchasing decisions. ### Sustainable pet food Consumers' anxieties about environmental issues are driving demand for sustainable pet food, providing opportunities for innovation in the pet food industry. ### Single-protein diets Single-protein diets are becoming popular in the pet food industry, providing an opportunity for businesses to offer alternative protein sources such as insects. ## What the Critter Crunch trend means for industry ### For Pet food Innovative companies are meeting consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious pet food by incorporating insect protein and single-protein diets. ### For Food and beverage The rise of insect protein as a sustainable alternative in pet food is part of a larger trend in the food and beverage industry that emphasizes sustainable and ethical practices. ### For Environmental sustainability The focus on sustainability in the pet food industry highlights the broader need for eco-friendly practices and innovations across all industries. ## Workshop question How can your brand tap into more sustainable alternatives in order to reach a wider target audience? ## Trend signals for Critter Crunch Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 26%, activity 27%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 26% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Critter Crunch trend 5 featured examples from Jun 9, 2016 to Oct 4, 2019. - [Insect-Based Dog Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-dog-food): 'Yora' is an Innovative Dog Food with a Single Protein Source (Category: Eco) Implication: The pet food industry can explore insect-based protein sources and single-protein diets to meet consumer demand for sustainable and healthy pet food options. - [Bug-Based Dog Biscuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treats-for-dog): Buggy Bix Makes Sustainable Treats for Dogs with Different Kinds of Bugs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet food manufacturing industry can explore the use of insects and alternative protein sources to create sustainable and innovative pet treats. - [Cricket Flour Dog Chews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bug-bites): HEXA Foods' 'Bug Bites' are Made with a Base of Fruit and Cricket Powder (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet food industry can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and protein-rich pet treats using cricket powder as an ingredient. - [Naturally Raised Cricket Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-protein): Spring Protein (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Cricket protein products can be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of food and beverage products, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation in the food industry. - [Insect-Based Dog Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wilder-harrier): 'Wilder & Harrier' Treats are Made from Cricket Protein (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet food industry could explore insect-based and alternative protein sources to offer more sustainable and nutritious pet food options. ## 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 Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)