Proteínas alternativas: perfil de consumo de produtos à base de insetos

Abstract

The growing demand for protein-rich foods, driven by global population growth, has sparked significant debates about the environmental and health impacts associated with the consumption of animal proteins. In this context, a survey was conducted to analyze perceptions of alternative protein consumption, highlighting the growing interest in more sustainable food solutions. To this end, a quantitative survey was conducted using an online questionnaire, developed on the Google Forms platform and shared on social media. The results showed that most participants are familiar with plant-based proteins as meat substitutes, while proteins derived from insects, algae, and fungi are still little known. The survey also revealed that 83.5% of participants consume meat daily, demonstrating a strong dietary tradition. The analysis suggests that, despite the recognition of plant-based alternatives, meat consumption remains predominant, posing a challenge to the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternative proteins. A moderate interest in alternative proteins was found, but familiarity with those derived from insects was limited, although acceptance is expected to increase with information and consumer awareness strategies.