Edible Insects Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Edible Insects Market is segmented By Insect Type (Crickets, Beetles, Wasps/ants, Cockroaches, Caterpillars, Others), By Application (Flour/Rice Products, Protein Supplements/Bars, Edible oils), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031.

Edible Insects Market Size

The Global Edible Insects Market reached USD 3.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to witness lucrative growth by reaching up to USD 11.7 billion by 2030. The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031. Edible insects have emerged as a unique and sustainable food source, gaining attention and popularity in recent years. In many cultures around the world, insects have long been consumed as a traditional food item, known as entomophagy.

However, the concept of incorporating insects into mainstream diets has gained traction globally. Edible insects offer several advantages as a food source. They are highly nutritious, often rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

The market for edible insects has witnessed significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing awareness of sustainable food sources, rising demand for alternative proteins, and innovative product development. The use of insect-based ingredients can be found in protein bars, snacks, baked goods, and even in animal feed. the market for edible insects is poised to expand further, offering a sustainable and nutritious food option for the future.

Edible Insects Market Scope

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Edible Insects Market Dynamics

Rising Acceptance of Entomophagy and Nutritional Value of Insect Protein Drive Edible Insects Market Growth

The edible insects market trend is driven by the growing acceptance and adoption of entomophagy, the practice of consuming insects as food, which is fueled by the increasing recognition of insect protein as a key driver. As consumers seek alternative protein sources, insect protein has gained prominence due to its numerous benefits. Insect protein is highly nutritious, rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. 

Additionally, it is environmentally sustainable, requiring fewer resources and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock. The rising demand for sustainable protein options, coupled with the growing awareness of the nutritional value of insect protein, is propelling the edible insects market forward as a viable and innovative solution to global food challenges.

Edible Insects Market Faces Hurdles in Consumer Acceptance and Processing Efficiency

According to edible insects market analysis, one key restraint of the edible insects market is the limited acceptance and familiarity of certain insect species, such as mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers, among consumers. The lack of widespread cultural acceptance and consumer awareness poses a challenge for market growth. Additionally, insect processing and extraction methods can present obstacles. Scaling up production and ensuring efficient processing techniques for mass extraction of insect-based ingredients can be complex and costly. 

Moreover, addressing regulatory frameworks and standards for insect-based products in different regions adds further complexity and that will also affect the edible insects market share. Overcoming these restraints requires education and marketing efforts to familiarize consumers with the benefits of insect-based ingredients, as well as continued research and development to improve processing techniques and address regulatory challenges.

Edible Insects Market Segment Analysis

The global edible insects market is segmented based on insect type, application, and region.

Crickets Segment Dominate Edible Insects Market with 60-70% Share, Emerging as Sustainable Protein Source

The global edible insects market is segmented based on insect type into crickets, beetles, wasps/Ants, cockroaches, caterpillars, and others.

In the edible insects market, crickets represent a significant portion of the overall insect-based ingredients segment. Based on edible insects market analysis, crickets account for a substantial share of the edible insect market, estimated at approximately 60% to 70% of the total market. This highlights their popularity and widespread use in various food products. Crickets have gained traction as a sustainable protein source, and their market share reflects the growing demand for alternative protein options. 

In terms of protein content, crickets typically contain around 60% to 70% protein, making them a rich and valuable source of dietary protein. The edible insects market analysis also indicates that insect-based ingredients derived from crickets are being increasingly utilized in the food industry. These ingredients are incorporated into products such as protein bars, snacks, and baked goods. The versatility of cricket-based ingredients is evident in their market presence, representing around 50% to 60% of the insect-based ingredient market.

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Global Edible Insects Market Geographical Share

North America Emerges as the Largest and Fastest-Growing Market for Edible Insects 

By region, the global edible insects market is segmented into North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle-east, and Africa.

North America is the largest market for edible insects, with a growing consumer interest in sustainable and alternative protein sources. Insect-based food products have gained popularity in the region, experiencing a steady rise in demand. According to the edible insects market analysis, the North American market for insect protein has been growing at an approximate annual rate of 10-15%, indicating a strong market presence. Insect farming has expanded significantly, with a notable increase of around 20-25% in the number of insect farms. 

The nutritional composition of insects, which includes high protein content ranging from 40-70%, has contributed to their appeal as a valuable food source. With an estimated 5-10% market share in the overall protein snack market, insect-based products continue to gain acceptance among approximately 30-40% of North American consumers who are open to trying them. This growing edible insects market trend showcases the region's significant potential for further development and innovation in the edible insects industry. 

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Edible Insects Market Companies

The major global players include ProtiFarm Holding NV, Entomo Farms, Haocheng Mealworms, Inc., Chapul, Insects SAS, Deli Bugs Ltd., Hargol FoodTech, Bitty Foods, All Things Bugs, LLC, and Tiny Farms.

COVID-19 Impact on Edible Insects Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the edible insects market, the edible insects market witnessed a negative growth rate of around 15% in 2020, leading to disruptions and challenges. Supply chain interruptions and reduced consumer demand affected the production and distribution of edible insects. However, there was an increased interest in sustainable protein sources during the pandemic, resulting in a surge in online sales of edible insects. The industry is expected to recover as environmental concerns and health consciousness drive the demand for edible insects in the post-pandemic period.

Ukraine-Russia War 

The Ukraine-Russia war had a limited impact on the edible insects market. While the conflict led to political and economic instability in the region, the direct effect on the edible insects market remains relatively small. The market is primarily driven by global factors such as consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and regulatory frameworks rather than regional conflicts. However, localized disruptions in supply chains and distribution channels could occur in areas directly affected by the war.

By Insect Type

• Crickets
• Beetles
• Wasps/Ants
• Cockroaches
• Caterpillars
• Others

By Application

• Flour/Rice Products
• Protein Supplements/Bars
• Edible Oils

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The U.K
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On May 22, 2023, Lidl Ireland launched burgers made with soy and insects as part of its My Street Food range. The burgers cost €2.99 for a pack of two. As well as textured soya flour, they contain “dried mealworm larvae.” They are simply labeled as “Insect Burgers” in store. It is not known if the product is a permanent fixture to the menu, or if it is available in other countries.
• On April 7, 2023, Singapore to approve Sixteen species of insects, such as crickets, silkworms and grasshoppers, will receive the green light from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for human consumption in the second half of 2023.
• On September 8, 2022, Lotte Confectionery Co., a major South Korean snacks and ice cream maker, signed an initial agreement with Canada's Aspire Food Group as part of its push to tap into the emerging insect protein market.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global edible insects market segmentation based on insect type, application, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of edible insects market-level with all segments.
• The PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global edible insects market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 50 figures, and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies