Would you swap meat products for insects? House crickets and larvae could soon be arriving at your local supermarket. In January, the European Union approved the sale of these insects for human consumption in powder and other dried forms. This is good news for the planet, as farming protein-rich insects requires significantly less land and water than meat production.

“The use of insects as a source of protein... has a positive impact on the environment, health and livelihoods,” says the EU Commission statement.

Which European nations would be most willing to eat insects?

However, the idea of eating creepy-crawlies does not sit well with everyone, and many Europeans would need convincing to add them to their diet.

According to a 2020 report by the European Consumer Organisation, only 10% of Europeans are willing to replace meat dishes with insects. But in another survey conducted in 2021 by YouGov, France appears to be the country most receptive to the idea.

Twenty-five per cent of those surveyed indicated they were willing to eat food containing insect powder. Germany and Denmark followed closely behind with 24% and 22% of respondents respectively. Italy and Poland were the most sceptical of the plan – only 17% and 18% of those surveyed indicated they would be willing to eat insects regularly. However, given our growing global population, as well as the damage caused by the meat and dairy industries, more and more scientists believe that insects could be key to curbing climate change. According to UN data, the meat and dairy industries generate 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The European Commission is still awaiting approval for eight other applications for edible insects.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/02/02/fact-check-is-the-eu-really-going-to-force-us-to-eat-insects-without-our-knowledge