EDIBLE INSECTS AS ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCES AND CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE

Abstract

Insects have been a part of local cuisine in many cultures since ancient times. The nutritional content of insects, which are currently consumed in many parts of the world, has attracted attention as an alternative protein source. Approximately 10% of the world's population has problems accessing food, and almost 1 billion people face diseases related to malnutrition. Just as the current food production model is insufficient to meet the food demand of the increasing population, increasing agricultural production in conjuction with population growth accelerates global warming by causing more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Insects have the potential to replace traditional animal proteins to supply the protein requirements of the population because of their high protein content. However, in this regard, the competent authorities have food safety concerns, as well as difficulties in consumer acceptance. It is possible to overcome food safety concerns with production models and advanced processing techniques as well as the difficulties experienced in consumer acceptance with different marketing and market strategies. In this review, the potential of edible insects as an alternative protein source and consumer attitude towards edible insects were evaluated.

Keywords

• Edible insects
• alternative protein sources
• consumer acceptance

ALTERNATİF PROTEİN KAYNAĞI OLARAK YENİLEBİLİR BÖCEKLER VE TÜKETİCİ KABULÜ

Abstract

Böcekler antik çağlardan beri birçok kültürde yerel mutfağın bir parçası olmuştur. Dünyanın birçok bölgesinde hali hazırda tüketilmekte olan böceklerin besin içeriği, onların alternatif protein kaynağı olarak da dikkat çekmesine sebep olmuştur. Dünya nüfusunun yaklaşık %10’u gıdaya erişim konusunda problem yaşamakta, neredeyse 1 milyar insan yetersiz beslenmeye bağlı hastalıklarla karşı karşıya gelmektedir. Artan nüfusun gıda talebini karşılamak için mevcut gıda üretim modeli yetersiz kaldığı gibi, nüfusa bağlı olarak artan tarımsal üretim de atmosfere daha fazla sera gazı salınımına sebep olarak küresel ısınmayı hızlandırmaktadır. Böcekler yüksek protein içerikleri sayesinde nüfusun protein ihtiyacını karşılamak için geleneksel hayvan proteinlerinin yerini alabilecek potansiyele sahiptir. Ancak bu hususta yetkili otoritelerin gıda güvenliği endişeleri olduğu gibi, tüketici kabulünde de zorluklar bulunmaktadır. Üretim modelleri ve ileri işleme teknikleri ile gıda güvenliği endişelerinin, farklı pazarlama ve market stratejileri ile de tüketici kabulünde yaşanan zorlukların üstesinden gelmek mümkündür. Bu derlemede alternatif protein kaynağı olarak yenilebilir böceklerin potansiyeli ve yenilebilir böceklere olan tüketici tutumu değerlendirilmiştir.

Keywords

• Yenilebilir böcekler
• alternatif protein kaynakları
• tüketici kabulü

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