Survey Dataset to "Insects on the Menu? Study on Edible Insects and Dietary Lifestyles in Poland"

This dataset presents results from a web-based cross-sectional survey conducted among 1,916 Polish participants to assess awareness, experience, and attitudes toward entomophagy—eating insects—as a sustainable protein source. However, responses from 11 participants were excluded from the analysis due to inappropriate or inconsistent answers in open-ended questions, indicating a lack of reliability in survey completion. Consequently, data from 1,905 participants were included in the final analysis.

The study explored differences between vegetarians and omnivores and examined factors such as ecological awareness, food neophobia, and prior exposure. Although over half of respondents had heard of insect consumption, only 21.7% had tried it. Among those without experience, willingness to try was divided. Nutritional benefits were the most persuasive motivator, while the appearance of whole insects was the greatest barrier. Omnivores were more accepting than vegetarians, and ecological concern as well as openness to new foods correlated with greater acceptance. Knowledge about nutritional value was low.

This dataset enables further exploration of consumer readiness for novel foods in culturally conservative settings and can inform educational campaigns or policy strategies promoting sustainable diets.