This document discusses entomophagy, or the eating of insects, as a potential food source for the future given the growing global population. It provides a brief history of entomophagy, noting its practice among certain ethnic groups today as well as examples throughout history. The key reasons discussed for considering insects as food are their nutritional benefits, lower economic and environmental costs compared to traditional meat sources, as insects require less water and land. The document concludes that widespread adoption of entomophagy could help address problems of world hunger and global warming, but would require changes in Western attitudes and regulatory approval.

1. ENTOMOPHAGY,
THE TOMORROW’S
FOOD ?
Jeanne Bleux & Louise Mazet

2. Introduction
Eating habits have changed much more in the last 50 years than in
previous centuries.
Today we are 7 billion people, we will reach 9 billion in 2050.
Given the announced shortage of resources, an innovation in food will
become essential.
“ One of the major
preoccupation about
food today is how
could we find enough
food for the all
population ? ”

3. But what is entomophagy ?
It’s human who eat insects
as food.

4. ENTOMOPHAGY
HISTORY

5. Important moment
30 000 / 9 000 BC
Cave paintings in Altamira (Spain).
First trace of possibly entomophagous
society
2.000 / 2.500 BC
Cocoons of wild silkworm in ruins in
the Shanxi province of China
800 BC
Nineveh in Mesopotamia
(Middle East)
Locusts on skewers for royal
banquets
384 - 322 BC
Aristote wrote that
cicadas were eaten in
Greece
Middle Ages
Larvae and silk glasses are one
of the most popular dishes in
Europe
Since XVIIIe
Western Europe has become aseptic. Insects are
associated with the image of dirt and therefore, in
popular imagery, insects are perceived as a vector
of disease. People gradually stop eating insects

6. ENTOMOPHAGY
IN THE WORLD

8. Around 3.000 ethnic group
practice entomography
Focus
There are
more than
5000 edible
species.

9. WHY EAT
INSECTES ?

10. The 3 most important reasons
Economical point
Nutritious
point
Ecological point

11. Nutritious point
Highly nutritious and healthy food
source:
● fat
● protein
● vitamin
● fibre
● minéral

12. Economical point
Insect-based feed products could have a similar
market to fishmeal and soy, which are presently the
major components used in feed formulae for
aquaculture and livestock.

13. Less water
Ecological point
Less natural resources
Less time

14. “Eating insects seem to be a
viable solution to two majors
problems facing our society :
world hunger and global
warming”

15. Conclusion
Change western mentalities
Regulation from public authorities
(national and european)