Association of food neophobia and food disgust with the willingness, benefits, and risks of insect food consumption among Chinese university students.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Edible insects with high protein content are sufficient to meet the growing global demand for protein. However, some individuals have negative psychological reactions such as phobia and disgust toward insect foods; therefore, the large-scale promotion of insect foods has progressed slowly. This study investigated the impact of food neophobia and food disgust on the willingness, benefits, and risks of insect food consumption among Chinese university students.

Methods

In 2023, 560 university students aged 18-25 years were recruited to fill an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Most university students were unfamiliar and unwilling to consume insect foods, with higher levels of food neophobia and disgust indicat

SUBMITTER: Tian H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12319225 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature