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- Are Consumers Aware of Sustainability Aspects Related to Edible Insects? Results from a Study Involving 14 CountriesPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Anjos, Ofélia; Boustani, Nada M.; Chuck-Hernández, Cristina; Sarić, Marijana Matek; Ferreira, Manuela; Costa, Cristina Amaro Da; Bartkiene, Elena; Cardoso, Ana Paula; Tarcea, Monica; Correia, Paula; Campos, Sofia; Papageorgiou, Maria; Camino, Daniel Abarquero; Korzeniowska, Malgorzata; Černelič-Bizjak, Maša; Kruma, Zanda; Damarli, Emel; Ferreira, Vanessa; Djekic, IlijaIn recent years, edible insects have been suggested as an alternative food that is more sustainable compared with other sources of animal protein. However, knowledge about the sustainability aspects associated with this source of food may play a role in convincing consumers to adopt insects as part of their diet. In this context, the present study investigated the level of knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects in a group of people originating from 14 countries, with some naturally entomophagous and others not. To measure the knowledge, 11 items were selected and the scores obtained were tested with statistical tools (t-test for independent samples, analysis of variance—ANOVA) to search for differences according to sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, geographical origin, and consumption habits of edible insects. The obtained results showed that, in general, knowledge is moderate, with the values of the average scores for the 11 items investigated ranging from 0.23 ± 0.99 to 0.66 ± 1.02, on a scale ranging from –2 (=very low knowledge) to 2 (=very high knowledge). The highest scores were found for items relating to the lower use of animal feed and lower emission of greenhouse gases required for the production of insects compared with beef. When investigating the differences between groups of participants, significant differences were generally found, revealing a trend for higher knowledge among males and young adults, for participants residing in urban areas and in countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Poland, and for participants with higher education levels and higher incomes. When testing the influence of consumption variables on the level of knowledge, the results showed a higher knowledge for participants who had already consumed insects or are willing to consume them. Finally, it was observed that higher knowledge was found for participants whose motivation to consume insects related to curiosity, a wish to preserve the planet, the gastronomic characteristics of insects, and their nutritional value. In conclusion, these results clearly indicate a very marked influence of a number of variables on the knowledge about the sustainability of edible insects, and this may be helpful to delineate strategies to effectively raise knowledge and eventually increase the willingness to consider insects as a more sustainable alternative to partially replace other protein foods, even in countries where this is a not a traditional practice.
- Insights into the Consumption of Edible Flowers in Costa RicaPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Correia, Paula; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Moya, K.; Anjos, O.Edible flowers (EF) have been used since ancient times in some parts of the world, either for culinary purposes or as a traditional medicine. Their use in modern times is supported by high reputed chefs, who use and promote them in their gourmet preparations as highly valuable assets, having a great potential for decoration, flavour and aroma, besides their nutritional value. Moreover, they are very rich in some phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, responsible for the colours and which have a proven antioxidant capacity, so exerting a beneficial effect on the human body against oxidation and cellular stress. This study describes how the people in Costa Rica perceive edible flowers, if and how they consume them, how they buy them and how much they are acquainted with possible health risks associated with their consumption. It comprised a questionnaire survey undertaken on a sample of 130 participants from Costa Rica, carried out through the internet. The results obtained indicated that the great majority of the participants know what EF are, but they recognize that there is not enough information about this topic. Only about 30% of the participants are aware that consuming EF can bear some risks, which are associated with toxicity and possible presence of pesticides. About half of the participants have already consumed EF, particularly in salads, and for decoration and confection of dishes. The most consumed flowers are rose, camomile and pumpkin flower. The most relevant motivations to consume EF are their taste and aroma, as well as being a novelty and useful for decoration. These results allow us to understand some eating habits, knowledge and consciousness of people from Costa Rica towards EF.
- Consumer perception about edible insects’ relation with environment and sustainabilityPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Ferrão, Ana CristinaEdible insects have been suggested as a potential environmental and economic solution to replace less sustainable conventional protein sources for human nutrition. Hence, this work investigated the perceptions and knowledge of consumers in fourteen different countries towards edible insects and their relation with environment and sustainability. For that, data were collected through a questionnaire survey in the ambit of the EISuFood Project, and 7221 responses were obtained. The results showed that although participants had some difficulty in identifying wrong statements, a majority were able to express disagreement towards them (ex. comparison between poultry and insect productions for water requirements, comparison between pork and insect productions for area requirements). A great majority of respondents showed agreement with true statements, like insect production emits fewer greenhouse gases than beef production. Higher percentages of respondents that did not manifest a decisive opinion were found for insects being able to efficiently convert organic matter into protein, or for loss of biodiversity being lower for insect compared to other animal productions. Sociodemographic variables sex and education were significantly influenced knowledge on most of the questions, while age was not found so influential. Regarding the geographic variable living environment, it significantly influenced the knowledge on practically all items, and country significantly influenced knowledge in all of the questions, being the most influential of all variables studied. As a conclusion, it was fund that perception about edible insects and sustainability are influenced by sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and greatly variable according to geographical factors.
- Milk consumption: comparison between Portuguese and French consumersPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné EBackground: Milk has been consumed since immemorial times by humans as a way to provide essential nutrients from infancy to adulthood. Humans consume milk from different animals, like sheep, goat, camel or buffalo, but cow milk is by far the most consumed. Aim: this work intended to focus on the consumption of milk among citizens form two European countries, Portugal and France. Method: This study was undertaken questionnaire survey, distributed online among citizens from France and Portugal, following all ethical principles. Data were collected only from adult citizens after informed consent. Results and discussion: A high percentage of participants in both countries regularly consume milk, on a daily dose varying from 125 to 250 mL. Some participants in both counties do not consume milk because they do not feel the need to. Additionally, a high number of French participants do not consume milk because they don’t like it, while in Portugal a high percentage do not consume due to reported lactose intolerance. The participants in both countries tend to consume semi-skimmed milk more often than other types of milk. Finally, significant differences were observed for the consumption of white brands, being these preferred in France, while in Portugal consumers tend to adopt more frequently the commercial brands. Conclusion: The results obtained allowed concluding that there are some common aspects regarding the milk consumption patterns among the participants form the two countries, but also highlighted some differences, that are relevant to better plan public policies in both countries.
- Edible Insects: Preliminary Study about Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge on a Sample of Portuguese CitizensPublication . Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Correia, Paula; Costa, Cristina Amaro Da; Guiné, Raquel P. F.This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, consumption habits, and degree of acceptability of edible insects (EI) or derived products among Portuguese consumers. This work consisted of a questionnaire survey, undertaken on a sample of 213 participants. For the treatment of data, basic descriptive statistics were used, complemented with chi-square tests to assess some associations between categorical variables. Moreover, a tree classification analysis was carried out using a classification and regression tree (CRT) algorithm with cross-validation. The results indicated that people tend to have correct perceptions about the sustainability issues associated with the use of insects as alternative sources of protein; however, the level of knowledge and overall perception about their nutritive value is low. Regarding the consumption of EI, it was found that only a small part of the participants had already eaten them, doing it mostly abroad, by self-initiative, in a restaurant or at a party or event. Additionally, it was found that the reluctance to consume insects is higher if they are whole, but when they are transformed into ingredients used in food formulations, the level of acceptance increases. Furthermore, men have shown to have a better perception about EI, be more informed about sustainability, and have a higher level of acceptability when compared to women. As a final conclusion, it was observed that the Portuguese still show some resistance to adhere to the use of insects as replacements for meat products, but the market of insect based products can be a good alternative to overpass the neophobia associated with this type of food.
- An Insight into the Level of Information about Sustainability of Edible Insects in a Traditionally Non-Insect-Eating Country: Exploratory StudyPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Anjos, O.; Correia, Paula; Ferreira, Bruno; Costa, Cristina Amaro DaInsects have been reported as a possible alternative solution to help feed the growing world pop-ulation with less stress on the planet, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment and natural ecosystems. However, the consumption of edible insects (EIs), although culturally ac-cepted for some communities, is not readily accepted for others. Hence this work explores the lev-el of information that people in a traditionally non-insect-eating country have about the sustaina-bility issues related with EIs, and also some possible reasons that could motivate their consump-tion. The study was based on a questionnaire survey and the results were explored by descriptive statistic tools, tree classification analysis, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the level of information is still low in general, with most people not manifesting an opinion. However, some aspects are relatively familiar to the participants (88.9% know that the ecological footprint of insects is smaller than other meats and 86.9% know that they efficiently convert or-ganic matter into protein). Factor and cluster analysis showed three classes: cluster 1—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements and also not able to distinguish the false information; cluster 2—people not informed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were able to distinguish the false information; and cluster 3—people well in-formed about the facts disclosed through the true statements but who were marginally unable to distinguish the false information. It was also found that education, sex and professional area are the most relevant sociodemographic factors associated with the level of information, and the highest motivations to consume EIs are their contribution to preserve the environment and natu-ral resources followed by being a more sustainable option (for 64.7% and 53.4% of participants, respectively). Hence it was concluded that, although some work still needs to be done to better inform people about EIs, there is already some conscientiousness that they constitute a good and more sustainable alternative to other types of meat.
- Os Insetos Comestíveis e a SustentabilidadePublication . Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Correia, Paula; Costa, Cristina Amaro Da; Guiné, Raquel P. F.Alimentar-se é uma necessidade básica para todos os seres humanos. No entanto, atender a essa necessidade e ao mesmo tempo contribuir para a manutenção dos ecossistemas, ainda é um desafio. Os sistemas alimentares apoderam-se, atualmente, de mais de 30% da terra, 70% da água potável e 20% da energia, contribuindo amplamente para a perda de biodiversidade, água e terra à escala global. Este estudo investigou o conhecimento e atitudes de uma amostra de portugueses relativamente aos insetos comestíveis. Para tal usou-se um questionário, colhendo-se respostas de 213 participantes. Para o tratamento dos dados usaram-se técnicas estatísticas e o software SPSS (versão 26). Os resultados indicaram que as pessoas tendem a ter perceções corretas sobre as questões de sustentabilidade associadas ao uso de insetos como fontes alternativas de proteína. Em relação ao consumo de insetos comestíveis, constatou-se que apenas uma pequena parte dos participantes já havia comido (16%), principalmente no exterior, por iniciativa própria, em restaurante ou em festa ou evento. Além disso, verificou-se que a relutância em consumir insetos é maior se forem inteiros, mas quando se transformam em ingredientes utilizados em formulações de alimentos, o nível de aceitação aumenta. Como conclusão final, observou-se que os portugueses ainda apresentam alguma resistência em aderir ao uso de insetos como substitutos de proteína de origem animal, mas o mercado de produtos à base de insetos pode ser uma boa alternativa para contornar a neofobia associada a este tipo de alimento.
- Development and Characterisation of Functional Bakery ProductsPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné EThis review focuses on a set of studies about functional bakery products. The literature search was performed on scientific databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, MDPI, BOn, and SciELO, based on some eligibility criteria, and a total of 102 original research articles about functional bakery products were selected. The studies were analysed according to the types of products, functional properties, functional ingredients, their sources, and the types of measurements described. Results showed that breads were the most frequently analysed products. Most of the products were rich in fibre and antioxidants or were gluten-free. Of the 102 studies, 92 analysed physical properties, 81 involved chemical analyses, 50 involved sensorial analyses, and eight reported microbiological analyses. The most frequent physical properties were texture and colour, while the most frequent chemical components were fibre and minerals. For sensorial properties, colour and texture were particularly evaluated, which were also the most frequently measured physical properties. The studies presented various successful strategies for the fortification of bakery products with functional components, demonstrating their ability to meet consumer needs and potentiate industry growth. This review highlights the relevance of functional bakery products in the current food panorama, contributing to increased knowledge and stimulating discussions about the impact of functional bakery products in promoting healthier eating.
- Biological and antioxidant activities of Physalis peruvianaPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Bruno, Iara; Ferreira, Manuela; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E
- Estudo Internacional do nível de conhecimento sobre insetos comestíveisPublication . Guiné, Raquel P. F.; Florença, Sofia De Guiné E; Ferreira, Manuela; Costa, Cristina Amaro Da; Correia, Paula; Cardoso, Ana Paula; Campos, Sofia; Anjos, Ofélia; Chuck-Hernandez, C.; Saric, M.; Papageorgiou, M.; Baro, J.; Korzeniowska, M.; Bizjak, M.; Bartkiene, E.; Tarcea, M.; Boustani, N.; Djekić, I.; Klava, D.; Damarli, E.Resumo: Introdução – O consumo de insetos é uma prática tradicional ao longo da história humana, mas o seu consumo é muito variável de acordo com a região do globo. Objetivos – Pretendeu-se investigar o nível de conhecimento sobre insetos comestíveis numa amostra de participantes de treze países. Métodos – Os dados foram recolhidos em 2021 por questionário online. Obtiveram-se 6899 respostas válidas. Para a análise dos dados usou-se análise fatorial, análise de clusters e testes qui-quadrado. Resultados – Foram usados 27 itens para medir o conhecimento, utilizando uma escala do tipo Likert de cinco pontos. Aplicando análise fatorial obteve-se uma solução que explica 55% da variância total observada. Esta inclui 4 fatores que retiveram 22 dos 27 itens iniciais: F1 = Sustentabilidade (8 it); F2 = Nutrição (8 it); F3 = Fatores de Produção (2 it); F4 = Preocupações com a Saúde (4 it). A análise de clusters produziu três grupos de participantes (indivíduos 'receosos', 'agricultores' e 'ecológicos'). A caracterização dos clusters revelou que a idade não influenciou a inclusão nos clusters, enquanto sexo, escolaridade, país, meio onde reside, área profissional e rendimento influenciaram a composição dos clusters. Conclusões – O nível de conhecimento sobre insetos comestíveis é altamente variável de acordo com as características individuais e localização geográfica. Por outro lado, a segmentação permitiu identificar 3 tipos de indivíduos, 'receosos', 'agricultores' e 'ecológicos'.