abstract
- © 2022 Institute of Food, Science and Technology (IFSTTF).Mexico is a multi-diverse country where insect consumption has been associated with traditional practices. Nevertheless, there are no studies regarding differences in entomophagy within the country to get specific insights into consumers' perceptions. A total of 3125 Mexicans answered a national survey related to demographic indicators and aspects of edible insects. The ¿2 test was used (P < 0.05) to analyse the data. Results showed that a national average of 74% had consumed insects, mainly from the south and centre. Demographic characteristics demonstrated that the northern region had a significantly higher monthly income (>952 USD) and educational level (postgraduate), declaring a consumption of `once in a lifetime¿ (more than 50%). The word clouds analysis showed remarkable differences among regions, in the north and centre the word `curiosity¿ was the most found; in the central region, the word `chapulines¿ (grasshoppers); and in the south, the term `gastronomy¿. Marketing aspects such as availability, price and variety significantly trigger increasing insect consumption by understanding regional differences to produce specific strategies and formulations.