Background. Insect consumption (entomophagy) is increasingly becoming the focus of attention, not only for economic reasons, but also due to environmental and health benefits. Achieving environmentally sustainable food security is one of the greatest global challenges today. A wide range of edible insect species, which are rich in protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber, can play a significant role in addressing the issue of global food insecurity. In addition, insect farming can be a sustainable way to produce food. However, consumer acceptance remains a major obstacle to regarding insects as a food source in many countries, including Europe. The purpose of this study was to determine whether health and environmental concerns would be associated with the willingness to consume foods containing edible insects (fresh, frozen, dried, powdered ones, e.g. meal) with the intention of ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. An empirical study was conducted among students at five Polish universities. The survey questionnaire included statements related to attitudes toward natural foods and concerns about health, the environment, food security and environmental sustainability.
Results and conclusions. Respondents’ acceptance of foods containing edible insects as a solution to (or support in solving) the problem of global food insecurity was most highly correlated with concern for health and the environment. Gender also differentiated perceptions of food security issues. For women, issues related to the nutritional value of products with edible insects and environmental aspects were significantly more important than for men. Young people having positive attitudes toward the naturalness of food were significantly more likely than other respondents to agree that implementing the practice of consuming foods that contain edible insects in them could provide access to foods with high concentrations of n-3 fatty acids, ensure sustainability in food production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.