Edible Insects: Global Research Trends, Biosafety Challenges, and Market Insights in the Mexican Context

Abstract

The growing global interest in edible insects as a sustainable protein source has positioned them as a promising solution to food security challenges. In Mexico, entomophagy is deeply embedded in cultural traditions, particularly in Oaxaca, where grasshoppers, leafcutter ants, and red agave worms form an integral part of the region's intangible heritage. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of global research on edible insects (2009-2023) using Scopus and tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to analyze 218 publications. The analysis highlighted research trends, influential authors, and key themes, including nutrition, biosafety, and sustainability. To complement the bibliometric study, an exploratory analysis of edible insect commercialization in Oaxaca was conducted, focusing on virtual platforms and local markets. The findings reveal consistent global growth in edible insect research, with Mexico contributing six publications between 2020 and 2023. Despite advancements in safety standards and regulatory frameworks globally, Mexico still lacks formal sanitary controls and regulations for insect-based products. Nevertheless, its diverse commercialization efforts and rich cultural heritage, particularly in Oaxaca, showcase its potential to bridge tradition and innovation. This study highlights the urgent need for regulatory frameworks and research capacity to ensure safety, preserve cultural identity, and sustainably expand Mexico's edible insect market.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis; biosafety; edible insects; entomophagy; food security; global trends; sustainable protein.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of the methodological process for bibliometric analysis.

Figure 2

Global trends in edible insect research: Annual document publications (2009–2023).

Figure 3

Most active journals in edible insect research based on citation count.

Figure 4

Three-field network mapping of authors, keywords, and countries in edible insect research.

Figure 5

Keyword co-occurrence network: thematic clusters in edible insect research.

Figure 6

Temporal trends of key topics and keyword frequency in edible insect research.

Figure 7

Collaboration and citation patterns in edible insect research: (a) Bibliographic coupling network of authors where colors represent distinct research clusters based on shared citations. Each color corresponds to a group of authors whose work is strongly linked through bibliographic coupling, indicating thematic research communities. (b) Temporal evolution of bibliographic coupling.

Figure 8

Authors with the Highest Citation Counts.

Figure 9

Collaboration network among Mexican authors in edible insect research.

Figure 10

Edible insects in Oaxaca’s local markets: (a) Various chapulín presentations for sale. (b) Raw red agave worms, chapulines, and worm salt. (c) Spicy sauces with chapulines. (d) Bottled chapulines in different preparations. (e) Red agave worm salt, bottled ground chapulines, and bottled chicatanas. (f) Chicatanas, chapulines, and live or dried red agave worms.