Swedish consumers' perception and ethical reflection regarding insects as food

We envisage an interview study focussing on the following issues: How is eating insects perceived among Swedish consumers? Do they perceive a difference between eating insects as an ingredient (in e.g. a protein bar) or the whole insect (e.g.as a grilled snack)? What do meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans think respectively about eating insects? What arguments beyond taste and yack factor are used in approving or disapproving of farming insects for food – are informants referring to sustainability, biodiversity, climate or animal welfare? Are the same or other arguments used with regard to eating meat from ruminants, pigs and poultry?

Method: interviews with citizens/consumers, followed by a content analysis and ethical elaboration.

Supervisor: Helena Röcklinsberg