Eating Bugs

Warm Up

1. What is your least favorite food?

2. What is a strange food you have eaten before?

3. Do you eat a healthy diet? Why or why not?

Reading

In recent years, bugs have become increasingly common as a food source, finding their way onto dining tables worldwide. This trend is driven by several factors, including their high protein content and environmental benefits. Compared to traditional livestock farming, insect farming is more sustainable and requires fewer resources. For example, producing one kilogram of insect protein consumes only a fraction of the feed, water, and land needed for the same amount of beef.

The rise in the world's population is another factor contributing to the growing interest in eating insects. With the global population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, there is a pressing need to explore alternative protein sources that can meet the demand sustainably.

The insect farming industry is rapidly expanding to meet this demand, with numerous companies worldwide producing insect-based food products. These products are increasingly available in supermarkets, and innovative initiatives like insect vending machines in Tokyo offer consumers convenient access to insect snacks.

Despite the growing popularity of insects as food, some individuals are still hesitant to embrace this trend due to what is commonly referred to as the "yuck factor." However, proponents of insect consumption, such as Israeli insect farmer Dror Tamir, believe that attitudes will shift over time as people become more accustomed to the idea. They argue that insects have the potential to be not only accepted but also enjoyed, drawing parallels to the initial reluctance towards sushi, which has since become a widely embraced culinary delight.

Reading Comprehension

1. Why have bugs become a common sight on dinner tables in recent years?

2. What are some environmental benefits of farming insects compared to traditional livestock?

3. According to Dror Tamir, what factor might contribute to the wider acceptance of insect consumption?

   
   

Discussion Questions

1. What are your thoughts on insects being used as a source of protein in food products?

2. Would you be willing to try food made from insects? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe insect-based foods will become more widely accepted in the future? Why or why not?

4. What factors do you think contribute to the "yuck factor" associated with eating insects?

5. Have you ever encountered insect-based food products in your local supermarket or restaurant?

6. What are some potential challenges or obstacles to the widespread acceptance of insect-based foods?

7. Are there any cultural or religious factors that might influence people's attitudes toward eating insects?

8. How do you think insect-based foods could be integrated into existing culinary traditions?

9. Do you think insect-based foods have the potential to become a mainstream dietary option?

10. What are some misconceptions people might have about eating bugs?