Entomophagy as a Global Practice, and Its Future in the Western World

First name: 
Jackson
Last name: 
Blum
Class Year: 
2015
Advisor: 
Marta Wells
Essay Abstract: 
Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is an established part of most food cultures outside of the western world, and for good reason. They’re quite a worthy food source, due to their high protein content that makes them nutritionally similar to other forms of meat, low energy demands and environmental impact, and wide array of flavors. In the past few years, insects have emerged as a growing food trend in the US, with a select number of food startups capitalizing on the new market. It is my best prediction that we are seeing just an early wave of popular insect-based foods, and they will begin to occupy a much more prominent role in American food culture within the next few decades.