# Insect Appetite Insects are being accepted as an eco-friendly meat alternative. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jul 30, 2013, updated Aug 1, 2013 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/insect-appetite ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Insect Appetite trend? **Insect Appetite:** Reflecting an increasing awareness about the ecological issues surrounding meat production, more and more companies are creating innovations to help facilitate the eating of insects. Appealing both in terms of shock value and the good intentions displayed by brands who create these products, this fascination reveals an openness to unexpected approaches to environmentalism. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 14, 2012 to Jul 30, 2013 - Published: Jul 30, 2013 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Insect Appetite trend ### Insect Consumption The trend towards consuming insects as an alternative meat source is growing, driven by concerns over the ecological impact of traditional meat production. ### Edible Insect Education More resources are being devoted to educating people about the benefits of incorporating insects into their diets and how to properly prepare them. ### Insect-Focused Products New products that feature insects or are made from them are becoming more commonplace as consumers become more open to alternative protein sources. ## What the Insect Appetite trend means for industry ### For Food The food industry can explore creating new products that incorporate insects and developing infrastructure to support the cultivation of edible insects. ### For Marketing Marketers and advertisers can leverage the intrigue and shock value of insects as a marketing tactic to promote products and services. ### For Education The education industry can develop courses, workshops and materials to teach people about edible insects, their benefits, and how to prepare and consume them. ## Trend signals for Insect Appetite Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Insect Appetite trend 6 featured examples from Oct 14, 2012 to Jul 30, 2013. - [Edible Bug Breeding Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eating-insects): The Lepsis Kitchen Terrarium Encourages Eating Insects for Protein (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The edible bug breeding industry presents opportunities for food and beverage companies to introduce insect-based products into their product lines and tap into the growing market… - [Edible Insect Breeding Farms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-meat-source): Designer Katharina Unger has Cultivated a Sustainable Meat Source (Category: Eco) Implication: Edible insect breeding farms present a disruptive innovation opportunity in the food industry as a sustainable and protein-rich meat alternative. - [Self Esteem-Boosting Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raise-your-self-esteem): This QR Campaign Raises Your Self-Esteem (Category: Marketing) Implication: Introducing complimentary self-image enhancing products and marketing campaigns can help increase customer satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty in the retail industry. - [Creepy Crawly Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insect-lollipops): These Insect Lollipops Will Scare Your Guests (Category: Special) Implication: Innovative candy makers can capitalize on the demand for Halloween-themed treats and unique flavors, such as edible insects. - [Edible Insect Guides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edible-insect): 'Six-Legged Livestock' Teaches the World About Edible Insect Farming (Category: World) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce insect farming technologies and practices to boost agricultural productivity and promote the cultivation of edible insects as a viable… - [Interesting Insect-Preparing Cookbooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eatabug): The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook Celebrates the Cooking of Bugs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants and foodservice industry can integrate insect items into their menu in a sustainable manner. ## 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)