Marcel Dicke: Why not eat insects?

Summary

The speaker discusses the benefits of incorporating insects into our diet, emphasizing that 80% of the global population already consumes insects. He highlights the nutritional value, environmental benefits, and economic impact of insects compared to traditional livestock. With the growing global population and increasing demand for food, the speaker argues that insects could be a sustainable alternative to meat. He addresses the cultural resistance to eating insects and advocates for a mindset shift, noting that insects are already present in many food products unknowingly and are poised to become more mainstream.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Insects are consumed by 80% of the world population, yet remain unfamiliar to many Western cultures.
• 🦗 Insects comprise 80% of all animal species on Earth and make up a significant part of the planet's biomass.
• 💰 Insects contribute an estimated $57 billion to the U.S. economy annually through pollination, waste removal, and pest control.
• 🍽️ More than 1,000 species of insects are consumed globally as a source of food.
• 🥫 Everyone unintentionally consumes about 500 grams of insects each year through processed foods like tomato soup and peanut butter.
• 🟥 Many red food products, including surimi and Campari, are colored using cochineal, a dye made from insects.
• 📈 The growing global population will increase the demand for food, especially meat, putting pressure on agricultural production.
• 💡 Insects are a more efficient source of protein compared to livestock, converting feed into body mass more effectively and producing less waste.
• 🌱 Insect farming is more environmentally sustainable, generating less manure and fewer greenhouse gases than traditional livestock farming.
• 🍫 Insects are increasingly becoming mainstream in certain parts of the world, with efforts to introduce them into Western diets as a nutritious and eco-friendly protein source.

Q & A

What percentage of the Earth's population eats insects?

About 80 percent of the Earth's population consumes insects.

How many species of insects exist on Earth?

There are six million species of insects on Earth.

How do insects contribute to the economy of the United States?

Insects contribute around 57 billion dollars per year to the U.S. economy through activities like pollination, pest control, and waste removal.

What is the relationship between insects and processed foods?

Many processed foods, like tomato soup and peanut butter, contain small amounts of insects because they are part of the natural environment where crops are grown.

What natural dye used in foods comes from insects?

Cochineal, a natural dye used in foods like surimi sticks and pink cookies, is derived from insects that live on cacti.

Why is the consumption of meat expected to increase in the future?

As the global population grows and people become wealthier, especially in developing countries like China and India, meat consumption is expected to rise significantly.

What are some advantages of consuming insects over traditional livestock meat?

Insects are more efficient in converting feed into meat, produce less waste, and have a smaller environmental impact compared to livestock like cows and pigs.

What nutritional benefits do insects offer?

Insects are a rich source of protein, fat, vitamins, and calories, comparable to traditional meats.

How much agricultural land is currently used for livestock production?

About 70 percent of the world's agricultural land is used for livestock production, including areas where feed is grown.

What is the speaker's prediction about insect consumption in the future?

The speaker predicts that by 2020, insects will be available in supermarkets, and people will consciously include them in their diets.