Canberra is getting free ice cream, but there’s a catch

Posted on 21 February, 2018

Yesterday, HerCanberra brought you glow in the dark donuts. Today we bring you insect ice cream. No, really. 

Imagine this: it’s a 30-degree day in the city and you stroll past a bright red cart with FREE ICE CREAM written on the side. You’re handed a cool cup of creamy goodness. But there’s slightly more to it than that.

Around the world, two billion people are already eating bugs – are you game to join them?

In a bid to help Australians get a ‘taste’ of the future, The Economist will be offering free ice-cream, supplemented with the protein-rich foods helping to feed the future.

Pop up stalls will be visiting the Australian National University and Garema Place, from 28 February – 2 March 2018. 

If you (like me) have seen Snowpiercer or think that eating bugs should be reserved for I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here you’re probably less than keen right now. But we can’t deny that hey, they don’t look half bad. Just a little…crunchy. 

If you feel the same, pay a visit to The Economist’s pop up and you can indulge in some blueberry and raspberry ice cream with a mix of insects, smooth chocolate ice cream with grasshopper chunks or fresh raspberry ice cream and mealworm swirls. Hungry yet? 

In all seriousness, food security is an issue set to affect the entire planet and the protein derived from insects might well be one of the keys to a sustainable future (and it doesn’t even have to be like something out of Snowpiercer). You can read more about the future of food at economist.com/feedingthefuture.

the essentials 

What: The Economist’s Insect ice cream Pop Up
When: Wednesday 28 February + Friday 2 March at Australian National University from 10 am – 5 pm, and Thursday 1 March at Garema Place from 10 am – 6 pm
More information: economist.com/feedingthefuture