Hansell, MJohansson Melker, MOlsson, VWendin, KPohl, MAyodeji Adebo, OADlamini, Nomusa R2026-04-232026-04-232026-062666-8335https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2026.100977http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14795Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has long provided essential nutrition in many cultures and offers potential benefits for food security, health, and sustainability. However, in parts of Africa this tradition is declining, and in South Africa, younger generations are often unfamiliar with insect consumption. Western dietary influences and urbanization contribute to the abandonment of traditional food practices, leading to a loss of knowledge surrounding insect consumption. This study aimed to investigate young South Africans’ acceptance of eating insects, and to understand main obstacles and opportunities with potential implementation of insect-based food products. Data were collected through an Entomophagy Attitude Questionnaire (n = 119), a focus group discussion (n = 13) and semi-structured interviews (n = 4). The results show gender differences in attitudes toward insects, with females being more reluctant toward entomophagy than men and, for example, scoring significantly higher in disgust when confronted with a statement that a dish contained insects (p = 0.07). However, the Entomophagy Attitude Questionnaire revealed no significant attitudinal differences between young people originating from the provinces Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Qualitative findings reveal that younger participants avoid insects due to feelings of disgust and perceptions of them as unclean or unsafe. Yet opportunities exist to reframe insects as appealing food choices. Participants indicated that presenting insect-based products as modern, tasty, fashionable, and aligned with sustainability and nutrition could improve acceptance. This study provides insights into the cultural and psychological barriers deterring entomophagy among young South Africans and highlights the importance of presenting insects and insect-based foods as desirable in contemporary diets.FulltextenEntomophagyFood securityFood sustainabilityWestern dietary influencesEntomophagy Attitude QuestionnaireInsect-based foodsYoung consumersArticleN/A