Edible crickets are about to be a regular sight in the nation’s shopping baskets as Sainsbury’s becomes the first UK supermarket to stock edible insects. In November, the retailer is exclusively launching Eat Grub’s Smoky BBQ Crunchy Roasted Crickets in 250 stores across the country. Crunchy in texture with a rich smoky flavour, the roasted crickets can be eaten alone as a tasty snack or used to garnish dishes such as tacos, noodles or salads.
Bugs already form a significant part of diets around the world and the global edible insect market is set to exceed $522 million by 2023. So far in the UK, crickets have been limited to niche outlets, however, today marks the first time that consumers will be able to buy insects from a supermarket.
So how do Brits feel about the influx of insects? Research carried out by Sainsbury’s and Eat Grub reveals people’s attitudes to entomophagy (human use of insects as food) in the UK are changing as interest in edible insects increases.
Nearly 10 per cent of people in the UK have tried edible insects, of which more than half (57 per cent) say they enjoyed them. Two in five (42 per cent) would be willing to try insects in the future, and seven per cent even say they would be willing to add them to their weekly shop if they were easily available.
Rachel Eyre, Head of Future Brands at Sainsbury’s, comments: “Insect snacks should no longer be seen as a gimmick or something for a dare, and it’s clear that consumers are increasingly keen to explore this new sustainable protein source. We’re always looking to provide our customers with new and exciting products, and with the growing interest in edible insects we’re excited to be the first UK supermarket to make these products easily accessible for shoppers across the country.”
Eat Grub was launched in 2014 by co-founders Shami Radia and Neil Whippey with the aim to revolutionise Western food culture by introducing insects as a staple part of it. Eat Grub co-founder Shami Radia comments: “Currently Insects are eaten and enjoyed by two billion people worldwide. We’re on a mission to show the West that as well as having very strong sustainability and environmental credentials, they are also seriously tasty and shouldn’t be overlooked as a great snack or recipe ingredient.
“Insects can produce the same amount of protein for a fraction of the land, water and feed used to rear traditional livestock. What’s more, insects are estimated to release 80% less methane than cows.”
Eat Grub’s Smoky BBQ Crunchy Roasted Crickets will launch in 250 Sainsbury’s stores on 18th November for £1.50.
Be the first to comment