Join Peter Smithers, an entomologist; Aaron Thomas, co-founder of Yum Bug; and Dr. Emily Porter, a gut health dietician, as they explore the future of food with insects. Discover how cricket tacos might revolutionize our plates and what makes insects a sustainable protein option. They tackle misconceptions, share the nutritional benefits of insects, and delve into cultural attitudes towards eating them. With humor and a live audience's participation, the discussion is both enlightening and appetizing!
Insects, particularly crickets, offer a nutritious protein source packed with essential amino acids, fiber, and healthy fats compared to traditional meats.
Cultural perceptions and squeamishness surrounding insect consumption are significant barriers, but education and tasting experiences may encourage wider acceptance.
Deep dives
Insects as a Sustainable Food Source
Insects are gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional sources of protein due to their high efficiency in converting feed into protein. With an estimated 8 to 12 million undiscovered insect species and a quintillion insects likely existing at any given moment, their potential role as food is immense. Countries like Mexico and China already incorporate various insects into their diets, showcasing their value beyond just survival during hard times. This growing interest in eating insects could be pivotal in addressing global food supply challenges as the population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, necessitating more efficient methods of protein production.
Nutritional Benefits of Insects
Insects, particularly crickets, are found to be rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, providing a nutritious option compared to traditional meats. They possess essential amino acids that are crucial for muscle health and bodily functions, which plant-based proteins often lack. Additionally, crickets contain omega-3 fatty acids and are a source of dietary fiber from their exoskeletons, supporting digestive and cardiovascular health. Although more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that eating insects may positively influence metabolic health and gut microbiomes, enhancing overall well-being.
Cultural Perceptions and Future of Insect Consumption
Cultural perceptions surrounding insect consumption remain a significant barrier, particularly in Western countries where eating insects is not a common practice. Despite the nutritional and environmental advantages, many people express squeamishness about including insects in their diets. However, as the industry develops and more products start appearing in restaurants and supermarkets, this reluctance may decrease. Education and tastings, such as the cricket brisket tacos featured, can help bridge the gap, encouraging consumers to try insects and consider them as a viable and sustainable food source.
We try some cricket tacos and ask what role insects might play in our future diets, in a special programme with a live audience at Green Man Festival in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales.
Our panellists:
Peter Smithers, an entomologist and fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
Aaron Thomas, co-founder of Yum Bug, which makes meat out of crickets
Dr Emily Porter, a dietician and gut health specialist for the NHS and The Gut Health Clinic
What else should we explore – and where else should we visit? Send your suggestions to insidescience@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producer: Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Sound manager: Mike Cox
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
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