Kiwis prefer their insects crunchy, when they opt to have them as a meal

An AgResearch report reveals New Zealanders would rather eat a black field cricket, over something like a porina caterpillar.

It reinforces texture is important - if we move to making them a part of our diet.

The survey also suggests women are less likely to add creepy-crawlies to their diet.

But overall, 60 per cent of respondents think eating insects is more environmentally friendly than eating beef, lamb, pork and chicken.

AgResearch says the findings suggest an insect product could succeed in the New Zealand market.