Study Suggests a Taste of Insect Cuisine Could Change Minds

WHO:

Fox News - Richard Blais, judge on "Next Level Chef"

Fox News - Andreia C. B. Ferreira, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Beira Interior

Fox News - Ashley Gearhardt, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Michigan

Phys.org - American Psychological Association

WHAT:

Fox News - A study measured the brain activity and heart rate of 38 adults who had never tried insect-based foods before as they sampled an insect protein bar and a cereal bar.

Fox News - Participants' heart rates increased during the tasting sessions, indicating heightened arousal and attentiveness.

Fox News - Most participants preferred the insect bar over the cereal bar.

Fox News - The global edible insect market is projected to grow from $1.73 billion in 2025 to $13.23 billion by 2034.

Fox News - Beetles held 33% of the insect-based food market share in 2025.

WHERE:

Fox News - The study was conducted at the University of Beira Interior in Portugal.

Fox News - Richard Blais spoke from California.

WHEN:

Fox News - The findings were presented at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior's annual meeting.

Fox News - The edible insect market is expected to grow by 2034.

WHY:

Fox News - The study suggests that curiosity and attention may outweigh initial disgust toward insect-based foods.

Fox News - There is a growing interest in sustainable nutrition and diversified protein sources.

HOW:

Fox News - Researchers incorporated traditional surveys and physiological measurements in their study.

Fox News - Participants were either informed or misled about the contents of the bars they tasted.

(UPDATED June 15, 2026 20:16 UTC)

A recent study conducted at the University of Beira Interior in Portugal examined the reactions of 38 adults who had never tried insect-based foods before, as they sampled an insect protein bar and a cereal bar. Researchers found that participants' heart rates increased during the tastings, indicating heightened arousal, and most preferred the insect bar over the cereal bar. This study highlights a growing interest in sustainable nutrition, with the global edible insect market projected to expand from $1.73 billion in 2025 to $13.23 billion by 2034.