INSETOS COMESTÍVEIS: PERCEPÇÃO DO CONSUMIDOR

Insects represent a safe alternative source of protein, however most consumers are averse to adding insects to food. The reasons of consumers in Western countries do not accept insects in their diet have been subject of many studies nowadays. In this sense, this work analyzed the perception of consumers of the Federal University of Santa Maria about the introduction of insects into the diet. Through a questionnaire, interviewed 251 people from the academic community. The results show that the vast majority of respondents, even eating everything, but never consumed insects, despite knowing its high protein content. In addition, 46% of the interviewees would consume insects in the form of flour, and 45% have no opinion regarding the safety of ingesting insects. It is the responsibility of the scientific community to demystify the prejudice imposed by Westerners on the consumption of this high biological value alternative protein. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: perfil alimentar; proteína; farinha; consumidores.