Bugged out

The edible insect industry emerged with great fanfare during the mid-2010s, promoted as a highly sustainable protein alternative to conventional livestock. Influential reports, including one from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), underscored the advantages: insects need significantly less land, water, and feed to produce; they emit far fewer greenhouse gases and ammonia; they convert resources efficiently; and they deliver strong nutritional benefits, often providing double the protein content of beef and triple that of chicken, plus valuable micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats.

This momentum led to a surge in Western startups creating consumer products such as cricket powders, mealworm-based bars, and locust snacks, all working through novel food approval processes to enter retail markets.

However, the anticipated mainstream breakthrough stalled. A major hurdle was widespread consumer disgust, known as the "yuck factor." A 2022 UK survey found that about three-quarters of adults were unwilling to try insects, even in processed, hidden forms like flours or blends, with openness limited to a small minority.

Health risks for humans eating insects have also been flagged prominently. Potential issues include strong allergenicity—many insect proteins (e.g., tropomyosin) mirror those in shellfish and dust mites, risking cross-reactions in allergic individuals, sometimes severe. The chitin exoskeleton, largely indigestible, may irritate the gut, cause inflammation, or lead to digestive discomfort. Other concerns involve microbial hazards like bacteria, fungi, and parasites if production hygiene falters; heavy metal buildup (such as cadmium, lead, or arsenic) from feed or environment; and possible pesticide or mycotoxin residues—all amplified when insects are eaten whole or minimally processed.

Regulatory obstacles grew after Brexit, with slower approvals and supply disruptions. Several companies have faced severe setbacks or bankruptcy recently. Notably, French leader Ÿnsect (or Ynsect), which raised over $600 million and built a massive "giga-factory," entered judicial liquidation in late 2025 due to insolvency, failed scaling, and funding shortfalls. Canada's Aspire Food Group, a major cricket producer, went into receivership in 2025 amid debt issues. Earlier failures included Yum Bug's closure despite hype and investment, Agri Protein's 2021 shutdown, and the withdrawal of Bear Gryll’s-backed mealworm bars from shelves,  years after launch.

The sector has largely shifted strategy. Many firms now concentrate on animal feed and pet food, where insects excel at converting waste and meet expanding demand—potentially hundreds of thousands of tonnes annually in the UK by mid-century. Resilient players like Entocycle (black soldier fly for feed) and Edibl (cricket operations) demonstrate progress via innovation and scale.

For direct human consumption in Western countries, insects remain niche. Advocates point to potential growth through education, appeal to eco-aware younger consumers, and possible future regulatory easing. While not the immediate dietary revolution once envisioned, insects could still contribute meaningfully to more sustainable food systems as a supportive element.