The World

Forum: Are Insects the Food of the Future?

Dutch entomologist Arnold van Huis would like to see people in Western countries embrace insects as food. He explains why to The World’s Lisa Mullins. Van Huis is taking your questions in the latest online science forum discussion.

Global Politics

Van Huis is an entomologist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, and he’s the guest in this Science Forum discussion.

Crickets, dung beetles and giant ants may not be your idea of an ideal meal, but millions of people around the world rely on insects for food. Crickets are so popular in Thailand that people farm the critters. Big-bottomed ants are a delicacy in Colombia. (Check out our story by reporter John Otis here.)

Van Huis argues that people in developed countries should also make insects a regular part of their diet. Insects are nutritious, inexpensive and environmentally sustainable.