Feeding the Future with The Economist was a pop-up activation combining novelty desserts with an underlying focus on alternative protein sources.
2018
Initial exposure at Railway Square prompted hesitation due to the “protein-rich” positioning. Subsequent clarification revealed insect-based inclusions, reframing the offering from health-focused to novelty-driven. A later appearance in Parramatta provided the opportunity to try.
Choc Hopper
Chocolate ice cream with grasshopper pieces. The base was dense and strongly flavoured, effectively masking most of the insect component. Grasshopper fragments introduced a dry crunch with a mild nuttiness. Residual fragments remained after melting, creating a slightly gritty finish.
Scurry Berry
Blueberry and raspberry ice cream with mixed insect inclusions. The berry profile was sharp and concentrated, overwhelming any distinct insect flavour. Inclusions were sparse relative to the chocolate version, reducing textural interruption.
Overall, flavour intensity in the base successfully obscured the novelty element, allowing the experience to sit closer to conventional ice cream. Texture remained the primary indicator of the insect component.
Feeding the Future with The Economist was located at Centenary Square, Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150 on 26 March 2018.
2019
A winter iteration shifted format from ice cream to toasted waffles, maintaining the insect-based theme across three variations.
Scurry Berry
A toasted waffle with raspberry jam and mealworms. The waffle provided a warm, structured base, while the jam contributed acidity and sweetness. Mealworms added a light crunch with a mild, earthy note that integrated more cleanly than legged insects. The absence of larger fragments reduced the lingering particulate texture noted previously.
Overall, the shift to waffles improved structural balance and reduced textural disruption. Among the insect formats, mealworms proved more consistent and less intrusive than grasshoppers.
Feeding the Future with The Economist was Henry Deane Plaza located at 18 Lee St, Haymarket NSW 2000.