Global Edible Insects Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Edible Insects Market Analysis

The edible insects market is gaining momentum as consumers increasingly recognize the nutritional and environmental benefits of incorporating insects into their diets. Known as entomophagy, the practice of eating insects has deep historical roots across various ethnic groups and cultures. Insects, classified as invertebrates under the phylum Arthropoda, represent one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet, with over 1,900 recognized species deemed edible by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These species are consumed by approximately 2 billion people globally, often as part of traditional diets. Commonly consumed insects include beetles, moths, caterpillars, ants, crickets, and grasshoppers, all of which are valued for their high nutritional content. Rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, edible insects present a sustainable alternative to conventional livestock. As the demand for sustainable protein sources rises amid concerns over climate change and food security, the edible insects market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increased consumer awareness and acceptance, innovations in insect farming, and expanding product offerings in both human and animal nutrition sectors.

Edible Insects Market Size

The global edible insects market size was valued at USD 789.79 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4647.63 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 24.80% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, pricing analysis, brand share analysis, consumer survey, demography analysis, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Edible Insects Market Trends

“Rise of Plant-Based Protein Alternatives”

The edible insects market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainable food sources. One prominent trend is the rise of plant-based protein alternatives, where edible insects are positioned as a high-protein, low-impact option compared to traditional livestock. For instance, companies such as Yum Bug in London are pioneering fully insect-based eateries, showcasing dishes that incorporate crickets and mealworms, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the nutritional benefits of insects are becoming more recognized, they are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This shift is evident in the food industry, where brands such as Chapul LLC are introducing insect protein bars, tapping into the growing demand for convenient and nutritious snacks. As sustainability becomes a key consumer priority, the edible insects market is expected to expand further, fostering innovations in edible insect farming and product development across various sectors, including human consumption and animal nutrition.

Report Scope and Edible Insects Market Segmentation        

Edible Insects Market Definition

Edible insects refer to insect species that are considered safe and suitable for human or animal consumption. These insects can be consumed whole or used as ingredients in processed foods, providing a rich source of nutrition, including protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The practice of eating insects, known as entomophagy, has been prevalent in various cultures worldwide for centuries. They are recognized for their sustainability benefits, as insect farming requires significantly less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock farming, making them an eco-friendly alternative for addressing global food security challenges.

Edible Insects Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Advantages of Insect Farming for Commercial Purposes

The increasing commercial benefits of insect farming are significantly driving the growth of the global edible insects market. While most edible insects are harvested in the wild, certain species, such as silkworms and bees, have been domesticated for their commercially valuable products. Sericulture, the practice of rearing silkworms for raw silk production, originated in China and highlights the economic potential of insect farming. Additionally, beneficial insects are mass-produced for agricultural purposes, aiding in biological pest control and pollination. Companies specializing in rearing predators and parasitoids, such as Trichogramma spp. for sugarcane borer control, and bumblebees and honeybees for crop pollination, are contributing to the market's expansion. As the demand for sustainable food sources and effective agricultural practices rises, insect farming is positioned to play a pivotal role in meeting these needs, further fueling market growth.

• Viable Alternative to Expensive Traditional Protein Sources

The anticipated growth of the edible insects market is significantly driven by the increasing interest in insect-based proteins as an alternative to high-cost plant and animal-based proteins. The nutritional values of edible insects are highly variable, influenced by factors such as species, preparation methods (such as drying, boiling, or frying), and the insects' diet. For instance, grasshoppers in Nigeria fed bran, rich in essential fatty acids, exhibit nearly double the protein content compared to those fed maize. Additionally, the protein content varies with the metamorphosis stage, as adult insects typically contain higher protein levels than their younger instars. Given the rising demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein sources, insect-based proteins present a viable solution, positioning them as a significant contributor to the market's growth in the forecast period.

Opportunities

• Rising Awareness Regarding Nutritional Benefits

The growing recognition of insect-based proteins as a viable alternative to high-cost plant and animal-based proteins presents a significant market opportunity in the edible insects sector. The nutritional values of edible insects vary greatly, influenced by factors such as species diversity, preparation methods (including drying, boiling, or frying), and their diet, which may consist of vegetables, grains, or organic waste. For instance, grasshoppers in Nigeria, when fed bran rich in essential fatty acids, can exhibit nearly double the protein content compared to those fed maize. Additionally, the protein content can fluctuate depending on the metamorphosis stage, with adults generally containing higher protein levels than instars. As consumers increasingly seek sustainable and economical protein sources, the edible insects market stands to benefit from this shift, positioning insect-based proteins as a compelling opportunity for growth in the forecast period.

• Rising Integration as a Component in Animal Feed

The integration of insect protein as a component in animal feed is emerging as a significant market opportunity within the livestock and aquaculture industries. As the demand for protein sources in animal feed continues to rise, insect protein offers a sustainable and nutritious alternative that can help address this need while simultaneously reducing waste. For instance, black soldier fly larvae, known for their rapid growth and high protein content, can be cultivated on organic waste materials, such as food scraps and agricultural by-products, effectively transforming waste into valuable protein. This contributes to a circular economy by minimizing food waste and provides a high-quality feed ingredient for poultry, pigs, and fish, which can enhance growth rates and overall health. As regulatory frameworks evolve to support the use of insect protein in animal feed, and as producers seek sustainable solutions, the market for insect-based animal feed is poised for significant expansion, presenting a compelling opportunity for growth in the edible insects sector.

Restraints/Challenges

• Increasing major food safety hazards and guidelines

Food safety hazards significantly impact the edible insects market, as stringent regulations are essential for government approval to ensure the safety of humans and the environment. Various food safety risks associated with edible insects can include biological, chemical, or physical hazards, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycotoxins, pesticides, parasites, and antimicrobials. Major participants in the industry may be less responsive to these stringent guidelines when profit levels decline, as heightened regulations can increase investment and production costs, potentially squeezing margins for insect farmers and end users such as. Additionally, the pressing need to address safety concerns and establish a cohesive legal framework across different countries presents a significant market challenge.

• Entrenched Cultural Acceptance

Cultural acceptance poses a significant challenge to the growth of the global edible insects market, as the consumption of insects is not part of traditional diets in many regions, leading to entrenched cultural resistance. For instance, in Western countries, insects are often viewed with skepticism or disgust, while in some Asian and African cultures, insects such as crickets and mealworms are considered delicacies and are regularly consumed. This disparity highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to reshape perceptions and demonstrate the benefits of edible insects, such as their high nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Without effective strategies to overcome these ingrained attitudes, the market may struggle to gain traction in regions where insect consumption is viewed negatively, hindering overall growth potential. Thus, addressing cultural acceptance is critical for unlocking the edible insects market and fostering wider consumer adoption.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Edible Insects Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of insect type, insect category, application, and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Insect Type

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Black Soldier Flies
• Buffalo's
• Grasshoppers
• Ants
• Silkworms
• Cicadas
• Others

Insect Category

• Regular Insects
• Premium Diet-Fed Insects

Application

• Human Consumption Products
• Animal Nutrition
• Insect Oil
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Personal Care
• Others

Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

Edible Insects Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, insect type, insect category, application, and distribution channel as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico in North America, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in Asia-Pacific (APAC), Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America as a part of South America, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA)

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to lead the global edible insects market, driven by significant technological advancements in developing countries. As innovations in insect farming and processing techniques continue to emerge, they enhance the efficiency and scalability of production. This growth is further fueled by rising consumer interest in sustainable protein sources and the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of edible insects. Consequently, the combination of technology and market demand positions Asia-Pacific as a key player in the edible insects industry.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Edible Insects Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Edible Insects Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Ynsect (France)
• Aspire Food Group (Canada)
• Xiamen Water Life Imp. & Exp. Co. Ltd (China)
• BETA HATCH (U.S.)
• Fluker's Cricket Farm (U.S.)
• Entomo Farms (Canada)
• Invertapro AS (Norway)
• Enviroflight (U.S.)
• Insecteo (France)
• Kreca Ento-Feed BV (Netherlands)
• Chapul LLC (U.S.)
• Jimini's (France)
• Symton Black Soldier Fly (Belgium)
• Armstrong Crickets Georgia (U.S.)

Latest Developments in Edible Insects Market

• In October 2024, London unveiled its first fully insect-based restaurant, Yum Bug, located in Finsbury Park. This pioneering establishment aims to transform the food industry by showcasing how edible insects can enhance sustainability and contribute to a healthier food system
• In November 2023, Entobel, a Singapore-based company, opened the largest insect protein production facility in Vietnam, making it the largest in Asia. This cutting-edge facility, dedicated to cultivating black soldier fly larvae, has an impressive annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of protein meal
• In September 2022, Lotte Confectionery, a prominent South Korean snack and ice cream manufacturer, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aspire Food Group, a Canadian leader in advanced insect agriculture and food technology. This collaboration aims to explore opportunities in protein alternatives and edible insects
• In September 2022, InnovaFeed, a French company, made significant strides in the edible insect sector by raising USD 250 million in investments, supported by ADM and Cargill. This funding will be used to enhance the production facility for black soldier flies located in Decatur, Illinois
• In April 2022, the ValuSect consortium, comprising European insect producers, allocated EUR 460,000 (approximately USD 496,600) to assist 18 edible insect enterprises. The selected companies will receive support from expert partners to develop innovative ideas that aim to improve insect production and boost consumer acceptance in North-West Europe

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