Journal of Entomological Research

Edible insects, with their high nutritional value and therapeutic benefits, are a promising solution for reducing food poverty and malnutrition in developing countries. Over the past seven years, research on entomophagy has primarily focused on using insects as sustainable food sources, such as mealworms and crickets, due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Insects face market acceptance barriers in Western nations, necessitating strategies like selecting suitable fields, assessing nutritional content, protecting food safety, maximizing farming, gaining consumer acceptance, and improving gastronomy. The insect industry’s rapid growth is facilitated by a favourable legislative environment and requires collaboration between public, government, academic, and business sectors for further advancement. This literature review highlights the potential of edible insects as an alternative protein source, their economic and environmental viability in recent years.