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Opinions on Insect Consumption in Hungary.
Katalin Szendrő1, Katalin Tóth2, Mónika Zita Nagy3
1Institute of Marketing and Management, Szent István University Kaposvár Campus, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 15, 2020
Summary
Hungarian adults have average knowledge but low willingness to eat insect-based foods. Factors like gender, education, and age influence acceptance, but disgust and lack of availability limit future consumption.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Consumer Behavior
- Entomology
Background:
- Edible insect consumption is a growing area of interest globally.
- Understanding consumer attitudes is crucial for market development.
- Hungary has a non-traditional history of insect consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Hungarian population's knowledge and opinions on edible insect consumption.
- To identify demographic factors influencing acceptance of insect-based foods.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 414 Hungarian respondents.
- Data collected included knowledge levels, willingness to consume, and demographic information.
- Statistical analysis was used to identify significant factors.
Main Results:
- Respondents demonstrated average knowledge of edible insects globally.
- Willingness to consume insect-based food was generally low.
- Men, university graduates, and individuals aged 30-39 reported higher acceptance.
- Residence and income did not significantly impact willingness to consume.
- A significant emotional response of disgust was noted.
Conclusions:
- Despite average knowledge, significant barriers including disgust and lack of commercial availability hinder insect food adoption in Hungary.
- Targeted education and product development may be necessary to overcome cultural aversion.
- Future increases in insect consumption are not anticipated in the short term.
