# Insect-Processing Snack Systems 'Tastebugs' is a Toy-Like Printed Kitchen Tool for Kids By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-03-30 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/printed-kitchen-tool References: [3dprint](https://3dprint.com/207990/3d-printed-appliance-edible-bugs/) & [3dhubs](https://www.3dhubs.com/blog/tastebugs/) 'Tastebugs' is a unique 3D-printed kitchen tool that aims to add a sense of play to eating insects. The [3D printing project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerworld-cyberbrick) aims to get future generations familiar with the idea of eating bugs, as they offer a sustainable source of protein that could impact the lives of billions. The project is an entry for the 3D Hubs Student Grant submitted by [Northumbria](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savour-kit) student Jay Cockrell. The stackable five-piece system takes the form of a toy that makes it possible for kids to have an active hand in the process of processing bugs for eating. The set includes a funnel, a dicing tool, a mill to process the edible insects into a fine powder, as well as an infuser for making insect stock. The last piece in the set is a compactor, which makes it possible for familiar [bar-shaped snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taste-inc) to be assembled with ease. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Insect-based Foods for Kids:** 'Tastebugs' encourages kids to eat insects through playful 3D-printed tool set. - **Sustainable Protein Alternatives:** Insects as protein source present a potential replacement for traditional meat. - **Innovative Kitchen Tools for Sustainable Food:** 3D-printed kitchen tools can be used to introduce new foods and create sustainable practices. ### Where This Applies - **Food Processing:** Insect-processing could become a competitive market in the food industry. - **3D Printing:** 3D printing opens avenues for creating and manufacturing unique kitchen tools and toys. - **Education and Child Development:** Playful and interactive tools like Tastebugs can shape children's perception of food and promote healthy eating habits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Edible Insect Lollipops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pest-infested-pops.md) - [Savory Insect Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savory-insect-snack.md) - [Insect Habitat Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bug-playground.md) - [Protein-Packed Cricket Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-protein-bar.md) - [Educational Insect Puzzle Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerkid-kits.md) - [Insect-Targeted Meatballs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seedballs.md) - [Interactive Educational Bug Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebug.md) - [Edible QR Codes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interiqr.md) - [Mealworm-Inspired 3D-Printed Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digested-objects.md)