Background. The use of edible insects as a food source for humans creates numerous demographic, environmental, economic and ethical challenges for societies. The consumption of food containing edible insects in its composition requires, first and foremost, its acceptance by consumers. The aim of the study was to determine whether the attitudes and intentions of young consumers in Poland (Generation Z) toward foods containing edible insects (fresh, frozen, dried, powdered ones, e.g., meal) in their composition can affect concerns about food security and environmental sustainability worldwide. In preparing the questionnaire, a set of statements adapted from scientific publications by other authors was used. The survey questionnaire included items (15) relating to: attitudes toward insect food (4), intentions to purchase food from insects (4), the willingness to pay a higher price for food containing insects, the production of which takes into account care for the environment (1), concern for food security (4) and environmental sustainability (2). During the survey, the respondents expressed the level of approval to or disapproval of all items included, using a five-point Likert scale.
Results and conclusions. Based on the survey carried out among young people, it can be concluded that the acceptance of foods containing edible insects in their composition as a solution, or support, to the problem of global food insecurity is related to attitudes and intentions to consume and purchase foods containing edible insects in their composition (fresh, frozen, dried, powdered ones, e.g. meal). Understanding young consumers’ intentions to consume food containing edible insects combined with their experiences with edible insects is the most effective way to encourage consumers to purchase and consume new foods . The results obtained can contribute to efforts to promote the legitimacy of producing new foods containing edible insects in their composition.