# Insect-Based Protein Crickets offer consumers a healthy and eco-friendly alternative-protein. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published May 10, 2018 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/insectbasedprotein ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 26, 2017 to May 9, 2018 - Published: May 10, 2018 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [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, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Insect-Based Protein trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Insect-Based Protein trend means for industry ### For 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 for Insect-Based Protein Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Insect-Based Protein trend 5 featured examples from Nov 26, 2017 to May 9, 2018. - [Healthy Cricket Flour-Based Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-flour1): Seek Uses Cricket Flour for Its Protein-Rich On-The-Go Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for food companies to incorporate cricket flour into their product offerings, providing consumers with new and sustainable protein options. - [Canadian Cricket Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crickstart): 'Crickstart' Makes Crackers and Bars from Ontario Cricket Farm Insects (Category: Eco) Implication: The food manufacturing industry can incorporate the use of cricket powder to create new products and attract health-conscious and sustainability-focused consumers. - [Cricket Flour-Infused Breads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fazer-sirkkaleip): The Fazer Sirkkaleipä Contains 70 Crickets Per Loaf (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The incorporation of alternative protein sources in food products is an avenue for the food and beverage industry to diversify their product offerings. - [Mainstream Insect Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/100-cricket-powder): The President's Choice 100% Cricket Powder is Now Available in Canada (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore new product opportunities by incorporating insect powders as a sustainable protein source. - [Cricket-Based Energy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swedish-cricket-bar): The Swedish Cricket Bar Contains Only Six Ingredients (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for companies to innovate and introduce more sustainable and nutritious food and beverage products. ## 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)