Consumer perception of insects as food: Mexico as an example of the importance of studying socio‐economic and geographical differences for decision‐making in food development
Anayansi Escalante‐Aburto, Lucio Rodríguez‐Sifuentes, César Ozuna, Rosa María Mariscal‐Moreno, Stanislav Mulík, Raquel P. F. Guiné, Cristina Chuck‐Hernández
Abstract
Summary Mexico is a multi‐diverse country where insect consumption has been associated with traditional practices. Nevertheless, there are no studies regarding differences in entomophagy within the country to get specific insights into consumers' perceptions. A total of 3125 Mexicans answered a national survey related to demographic indicators and aspects of edible insects. The χ 2 test was used ( P < 0.05) to analyse the data. Results showed that a national average of 74% had consumed insects, mainly from the south and centre. Demographic characteristics demonstrated that the northern region had a significantly higher monthly income (>952 USD) and educational level (postgraduate), declaring a consumption of ‘ once in a lifetime ’ (more than 50%). The word clouds analysis showed remarkable differences among regions, in the north and centre the word ‘ curiosity ’ was the most found; in the central region, the word ‘ chapulines ’ (grasshoppers); and in the south, the term ‘ gastronomy ’. Marketing aspects such as availability, price and variety significantly trigger increasing insect consumption by understanding regional differences to produce specific strategies and formulations.