Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Insect-Based
Protein
Crickets offer consumers a healthy and eco-friendly alternative-protein.
3.4
Trend score
Trend
What is the Insect-Based Protein trend?
Insect-Based Protein: Cricket-based food items showcase the versatility of this under-used source of lean protein. By opting for cricket-based protein sources consumers are able to enjoy a sustainable source of protein that offers additional benefits, like fatty acids and vitamins, not found in meat-based sources of protein. Such products appeal to consumers who are looking for a protein source that enables them to lower their individual carbon footprint.
Trend themes
Themes within the Insect-Based Protein trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Insect protein as a sustainable alternative
As consumers seek out more sustainable protein sources, businesses can innovate by incorporating insect-based protein into their products.
02
Cricket flour as a versatile ingredient
Businesses can leverage the nutritional benefits and versatile nature of cricket flour to create innovative new products, such as breads and energy bars.
03
Mainstream acceptance of insect-based foods
As consumers become more open to trying new foods, businesses can capitalize on the growing acceptance of insect-based foods to introduce new, innovative products to the market.
Industry implications
What the Insect-Based Protein trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food and beverage
Businesses in the food and beverage industry can explore the use of insect protein and flour to create sustainable, nutritious products for health-conscious consumers.
For
Agriculture
The growing demand for insect-based protein presents opportunities for businesses in the agriculture industry to develop new farming methods and technologies to produce cricket-based ingredients at scale.
For
Health and wellness
As more consumers prioritize health and wellness, businesses can develop innovative new products featuring cricket-based protein and flour to meet the demands of this growing market.
Workshop question
How can your brand change consumers’ perception of the less traditional products or services it offers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Insect-Based Protein
Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 41%, freshness 8%.
Popularity52%
Activity41%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Insect-Based Protein trend
5 featured examples from Nov 26, 2017 to May 9, 2018CategoryLifestyle
Healthy Cricket Flour-Based Snacks
Seek Uses Cricket Flour for Its Protein-Rich On-The-Go Snacks
Opportunity for food companies to incorporate cricket flour into their product offerings, providing consumers with new and sustainable protein options.
CategoryEco
Canadian Cricket Snacks
'Crickstart' Makes Crackers and Bars from Ontario Cricket Farm Insects
The food manufacturing industry can incorporate the use of cricket powder to create new products and attract health-conscious and sustainability-focused consumers.
CategoryLifestyle
Cricket Flour-Infused Breads
The Fazer Sirkkaleipä Contains 70 Crickets Per Loaf
The incorporation of alternative protein sources in food products is an avenue for the food and beverage industry to diversify their product offerings.
CategoryLifestyle
Mainstream Insect Powders
The President's Choice 100% Cricket Powder is Now Available in Canada
The food and beverage industry can explore new product opportunities by incorporating insect powders as a sustainable protein source.
CategoryLifestyle
Cricket-Based Energy Bars
The Swedish Cricket Bar Contains Only Six Ingredients
Opportunities for companies to innovate and introduce more sustainable and nutritious food and beverage products.
