📘 IELTS Reading Passage 3
Title: The Future of Food – Will Insects Be on Our Plates?
With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the question of how
to sustainably feed humanity is becoming more urgent. One solution gaining increasing
attention is entomophagy—the consumption of insects as food. While eating bugs may seem
unappealing to many in Western cultures, insects are already a dietary staple in parts of Asia,
Africa, and Latin America. As the demand for food rises, many scientists and policymakers
believe that edible insects could become a key component of future diets.
Insects offer several advantages over traditional livestock. First, they are significantly more
efficient at converting feed into protein. Crickets, for example, require six times less feed than
cattle to produce the same amount of protein. Moreover, insects produce fewer greenhouse
gases and require far less water and land than cows or pigs, making them far more
environmentally sustainable.
Nutritionally, insects are no less impressive. Many edible species are rich in protein, fiber,
healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Some types of caterpillars contain more iron than beef,
while mealworms provide omega-3 fatty acids comparable to those in fish. These nutrients
could help combat malnutrition, particularly in developing countries where meat is often
scarce or expensive.
Despite these benefits, cultural acceptance remains a major obstacle. In many Western
societies, insects are associated with dirt or disease, and the idea of eating them provokes
disgust. Food habits are deeply rooted in culture, and changing them is not easy. Marketing
experts argue that presentation plays a key role: when insects are ground into powder and
used as ingredients in protein bars or pasta, they become more acceptable to consumers than
when served whole.
Efforts are also being made at the governmental level. The European Union has approved
several insect-based products for human consumption, and food safety agencies are investing
in research to ensure production standards are met. Meanwhile, startups around the world are
experimenting with insect farming and processing, aiming to make bug-based foods more
appealing, affordable, and available.
Opponents, however, caution against relying too heavily on insects as a food source. Some
raise concerns about allergies, as insect proteins may trigger reactions in people allergic to
shellfish. Others point out that while insect farming is more sustainable than traditional
livestock, it is not entirely impact-free—especially when done on a large scale using
electricity and artificial light.
Even so, the general trend suggests that insects will play an increasing role in our diets—
whether visible or hidden. As the global food system comes under more pressure, solutions
like insect consumption may no longer be a matter of preference, but of necessity.
❓ Questions 27–31: Do the following statements agree with the information in the
passage?
Write TRUE, FALSE, or NOT GIVEN.
27. The global population is expected to decline after 2050.
28. Crickets are more efficient than cattle at converting feed into protein.
29. Insects require more water to produce than pigs.
30. Some insect species provide nutritional benefits similar to fish.
31. Cultural resistance is one of the main barriers to insect consumption in the West.
❓ Questions 32–35: Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
32. What is one reason insects are considered a sustainable food source?
A. They consume more CO₂ than plants
B. They can live in any climate
C. They require fewer natural resources than livestock
D. They reproduce faster than birds
33. How are insect-based foods made more acceptable in Western markets?
A. By serving them in restaurants
B. By mixing them with vegetables
C. By processing them into powder or hidden forms
D. By advertising them as traditional dishes
34. What is a health concern associated with insect consumption?
A. High sugar content
B. Risk of allergic reactions
C. Low levels of nutrients
D. Pesticide contamination
35. Why do some experts question large-scale insect farming?
A. It may be too expensive
B. It relies heavily on natural sunlight
C. It can still have environmental impacts
D. It could lead to overproduction
❓ Questions 36–40: Match each fact with the correct statement (A–F).
You may use any letter more than once.
36. Crickets need six times less feed than cows
37. Mealworms contain omega-3 fatty acids
38. Insects are already eaten in Africa and Asia
39. Food habits are hard to change
40. Some startups are working on insect food production
A. Insects have strong cultural acceptance in some regions
B. Insects offer comparable nutritional value to meat and fish
C. Insects are highly efficient in food conversion
D. Entrepreneurs are developing new food products
E. Traditional dietary preferences are difficult to shift
F. Insects are being used for animal feed only