Attitudes toward and willingness to consume insect-based foods among children in Ecuador

This study investigates the influence of sociodemographic factors, meat intake practices, the intention to reduce meat intake, history of insect consumption, and nutritional psychological factors on the willingness to consume insect-based foods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Ecuadorian children and adolescents (N = 360, MAge = 12.15, SD = 1.46; female = 52.5%). Twenty percent of the participants were willing to consume an insect burger. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that the attitude toward the insect burger had the greatest influence on the willingness to consume, followed by food disgust, which was identified as a negative predictor, and gender, with male participants showing a greater willingness to consume. Based on the results of this study, further research and actions such as marketing strategies and educational interventions in schools are needed to increase the willingness to consume novel insect-based foodstuffs among Ecuadorian children and adolescents.