Safeco Field's toasted grasshoppers have just made the Seattle Mariners an odd bit of history. The Mariners are the first MLB team to offer insects as a ballpark snack. The grasshoppers, which run $4 a cup, are sourced from a local Seattle Mexican restaurant named Poquitos. They are toasted and seasoned with chili lime salt.
Major League Baseball is known for its obsession with tradition, but oddly enough that doesn't extend to the food sold inside ballparks. Each years stadiums continually try and one up each other with crazy food in a drive to get fans to the park. Safeco Field's toasted grasshoppers may end up helping the Mariners sell a few extra tickets, if only to those who want to see what it's like to eat an insect.
What's Driving This Trend
- Insect-based Snacks
- Develop innovative insect-based snacks to cater to adventurous eaters and tap into the growing demand for alternative protein sources.
- Gourmet Ballpark Food
- Create unique and unconventional food options at ballparks to attract fans with an appetite for novel dining experiences.
- Local Sourcing
- Partner with local restaurants or food suppliers to offer unique, regionally-inspired snacks and support local businesses.
Who This Affects Most
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Cater to changing consumer preferences by exploring and developing new snack options, such as insect-based snacks, that offer unique and memorable dining experiences.
- Sports and Entertainment Industry
- Introduce innovative and unconventional food options at stadiums and arenas to enhance the overall fan experience and drive ticket sales.
- Restaurant Industry
- Collaborate with sports teams or venues to supply gourmet, regionally-inspired snacks that cater to fans seeking new and exciting culinary offerings.
