Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40807528›Full record

ArticleFoods (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Exploring Novel Foods: Consumer Willingness and Acceptance of Edible Insects as a Sustainable Alternative Protein Source in Saudi Arabia.

Samar Refat Alabdulmohsen, Hala Hazam Al-Otaibi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Samar Refat AlabdulmohsenDepartment of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Agricultural and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Hala Hazam Al-OtaibiDepartment of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Agricultural and Food Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.ORCID 0000-0002-4585-5120

Funding

the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia Grant No KFU251661
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative protein source, addressing global challenges in food security and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the willingness and acceptance of edible insects as sustainable alternative protein sources among Saudi participants, focusing on sociodemographic and attitudinal factors. A cross-sectional survey involving 2208 participants revealed that males and younger individuals (18-34 years) exhibited greater willingness to consume EIs, driven by environmental concerns, health benefits, and positive beliefs. Women and older participants showed higher levels of food neophobia, disgust, and uncertainty. Sociocultural barriers such as fear, a lack of familiarity, and perceptions of edible insects as unclean or forbidden were significant obstacles to acceptance and willingness. Interestingly, the education level did not significantly influence willingness, suggesting that cultural and religious norms may overshadow its impact. These findings underscore the need for targeted campaigns emphasizing the health, environmental, and sustainability benefits of edible insects, alongside culturally sensitive approaches to overcome psychological and social barriers. This research provides valuable insights to guide strategies for integrating EIs into Saudi diets as a step toward enhanced food security and environmental sustainability.

Indexed as

acceptancealternative proteinconsumeredible insectsfood neophobiaSaudi Arabiawillingness

Identifiers

PMID40807528
PMCPMC12345640

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.