Edible Insects Market By Product Type (Whole Insect, Insect Powder, Insect-Based Snacks, Insect Oil), By Insect Type (Crickets, Grasshoppers, Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, Silkworms, Ants, Cicadas, Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Edible Insects market accounted for USD 1.82 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.82 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 24.8% between 2025 and 2035. The edible insect market refers to the production of insects for human consumption and includes the segment as a potential business or guild. Crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and many more have become so popular as foods because they have the qualities of being a sustainable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, unlike animal-based foods.

This business was driven by increased awareness of green diets, as insects require less land, water, and feed than animals. Edible insects fit into the space available in human and animal diets as a result of global changes in plant-based eating and green food production practices.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly protein sources

The growing desire for environmentally friendly and sustainable protein sources has influenced the edible insects market. Conventional cow ranching depletes natural resources including land, water, and feed while contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, insect farming is a more sustainable strategy because it requires fewer resources and has a lower environmental impact. 

Edible insects such as mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers, owing to their capacity to convert feed, have the potential to help meet the world's protein demands over time. The nutritional profile of edible insects makes them appealing as a protein source. Because insects are high in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, they can help fill nutritional shortages while having a low environmental impact. As businesses and consumers become more aware of the negative environmental impact of traditional protein production, insects are gaining favor as protein substitutes.

Food processing innovations that improve the marketability and palatability of insect-based products in areas with little historical exposure to entomophagy help to fuel this trend.

Insects for human consumption are consistent with rising tendencies in the use of morally and ethically acceptable sources of nutrition. Due to the new awareness raised by the social vices and implications of traditional animal meat production, an increasing number of individuals and businesses are exploring new plant-derived protein sources. The government encourages countries to participate in insect-based food production by developing more cost-effective programs, joint ventures with insect-producing partners, and R&D expenditures.

High nutritional value with lower environmental impact than livestock

In comparison to the standard cattle breed, edible bugs have a far smaller ecological imprint and a higher nutritional value. They are a concentrated source of nutrition since they contain protein, vital amino acids, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and zinc. Unlike animals, insects require less space, nutrition, and water to produce equal or better protein. As a result, they provide a feasible alternative to traditional meat production, which has been related to resource depletion, local vegetation destruction, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Food insects are a true treasure trove of nutritional superfoods and environmentally friendly species.

Frozen fish are high protein sources, containing all nine essential amino acids, beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and micronutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Such features make edible insects the best alternative for meeting protein requirements and boosting diets, especially during times of food shortage.

Edible insects produce less ammonia and greenhouse gases than cattle, pigs, and fowl. Moreover, the ability to farm insects in controlled conditions and provide favorable conditions for mass production increases their attractiveness as an environmentally friendly, high-protein food product sought by the world's continually growing population. Insects create protein from feed considerably more efficiently than cattle, pigs, or poultry, and require significantly less room and water.

Cultural aversion and limited consumer acceptance in certain regions

The edible insects business is retrained by the lack of consumer acceptance of the product in nations. Many clients in Western and affluent countries cross psychic boundaries simply by considering eating insects, which is culturally unacceptable due to repulsion or horror. These beliefs hampered public acceptance of insect-based goods that are both nutritionally and environmentally beneficial. To eliminate these prejudices, it takes a significant effort to educate the public, establish awareness campaigns, and perform research to develop new goods that do not appear to contain insects but do.

Many people consume insects primarily because they are classed as 'insects' or 'creepy crawlies' and are linked with filthy or unhealthy cuisine. This is complemented by the scarcity of pre-established products incorporating insect protein in common foods and beverages such as snacks and supplements. However, there are subtle shifts underway, particularly among young, environmentally conscious consumers who have shown a desire to purchase sustainable food items. Entomophagy is becoming more popular in society due to new culinary approaches and marketing initiatives by food producers, chefs, and influencers.

Expanding use of insect protein in functional foods and beverages

The growing incorporation of insect protein into the very consumer-conscious industries of functional foods and beverages may present the largest opportunity in the edible insect market. Insect protein includes high levels of vital amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making insects ideal for the development of nutritional products. As people look for functional foods that will help them gain muscle, lose weight, or boost immunity, insect protein is gradually emerging as the flavor of the future. This versatility allows it to be used in protein bars, smoothies, fortified snacks, and energy drinks, all of which will appeal to health-conscious people, particularly athletes.

The clean-label movement in the food and beverage industry has pushed food processors to create insect-based products with less processing and more natural components. Companies are delegating the environmental and nutritional elements of insect proteins, allowing them to be promoted as both environmentally beneficial and damaging. As a result, insect protein can now be processed in a way that does not degrade the formulation into which it is incorporated, with only modest changes in flavor, texture, or both. Based on consumers' understanding of the link between sustainability and health, the use of insect protein in functional foods and beverages is likely to become a benchmark for future growth.

Growth of e-commerce channels for edible insect products

The increase in electronic commerce platforms for edible insect products, a key factor, stands to benefit the edible insects market. While expanding environmentally friendly and high-protein substitutes for conventional meat is a growing trend among consumers, online marketplaces offer an opportunity for product introduction and growth. As awareness of environmental issues and consumer trends rises, e-commerce expands market potential by connecting businesses to a global market. The fact that insect-based products like snacks, energy bars, and protein powders allow marketers to cater to a wide spectrum of consumer preferences and needs. Further, with social media and online marketing, it becomes possible to improve consumer learning and remove cultural and perceptual barriers to insect consumption. The online format and new stores serving edible insects are likely to increase rapidly because of the broader trend toward more sustainable and healthful eating.

Industry Experts Opinion

“For all of these new food production facilities, whether it’s vertical insect farming or precision fermentation of cultivated meat, there has to be ways [to finance them] outside of VC and private equity because the cost of capital has gotten too high.” 

• Mohammed Ashour, CEO, Aspire Foods Group.

Segment Analysis

By insect type, the Edible Insects Market is classified into Crickets, Grasshoppers, Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, Silkworms, Ants, Cicadas, Others. Crickets are the dominant farm insects due to their high protein content and ease of farming, making them ideal for use in powders, protein bars, and snacks. Grasshoppers are common in some locations and have a smooth and nutritious taste. Another common cooking ingredient is mealworms, which are used in both human and animal meals because of their high fat content and abundance.

Black Soldier Flies are steadily gaining popularity for their protein-rich larvae, particularly when utilized in feed formulations and their involvement in waste disposal in intense insect production systems. Silkworm meat is another specialty product that is used in the Asian diet due to its high protein and fiber content. Cicadas and ants are considered slowly used, only appearing in special supermarkets or as specialized commodities, or being ingested, particularly in some places. Similarly, beetles and other termite species are said to be high in nutrients.

Based on the applications the edible insects market is classified into Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Others. Food and beverages make up the largest and most competitive part of the edible insects market. Edible insects are finding their way into a variety of value-added goods, including protein bars, snacks, and flour alternatives, as customers become more concerned about environmental implications and protein quality. The shift in diet from animal protein to plant protein and the emergence of non-insect protein sources have strengthened the sector. Insects are becoming more popular in food markets because of an inflow of individuals from sustainable food markets and health-conscious consumers. This makes the Food & Beverage segment the most influential in the edible insects market.

Regional Analysis

The North American edible oil market is expanding due to rising customer demand for healthier, more sustainable, and adaptable edible oils. Plant-based oils are gaining popularity as people become more aware of the importance of heart health, cholesterol, and other important aspects of living standards. This amazing trend of using organic and natural non-GMO oils also contributes to market growth as people gravitate toward natural items. Furthermore, the recent tendency toward cooking, facilitated by the COVID-19 epidemic, has increased oil usage. New-generation oils, such as cold-pressed or minimally processed oils, are also being created and used. As the environmental aspect becomes more important, individuals prefer oils with an environmentally beneficial profile.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the edible insect market because people in this region have long embraced insect intake as a method of diet. The market is driven by the region's population, urbanization, and awareness of the environmental benefits of eating edible insects. The Asia-Pacific region's emphasis on sustainable and clean animal feed, combined with the growing trend toward the usage of alternative proteins, has resulted in APAC being the largest and fastest-growing market for edible insects for human consumption and production. This region is a market leader due to its access to a wide range of insects and a well-developed infrastructure for creating insectariums.

Competitive Landscape

The edible insects market has a wide range of competitors, from small start-ups to huge, well-established food conglomerates. Leading competitors are working on innovative insect-based products such as animal feed, snacks, and protein powders. Companies such as Ynsect and AgriProtein are pioneering large-scale insect farming, supplying insect protein to markets for animal feed and human consumption. Crickets One and Exo Protein, two tiny businesses that sell cricket-based products such as protein bars and powders, have formed to target specific niches. With a focus on consumer acceptability and education, these businesses compete on affordability, quality, sustainability, and product differentiation.

Leading corporations, like Nestle, Cargill, and Dupont, have already invested in insect protein companies and established insect farming. Competitive advantage is described by several criteria, including new technology or innovation, cost and regulatory compliance, and consumer awareness.  Companies are also exploring new bug species and improved ways to address these needs, which include sustainable, high-protein, and cost-effective food sources. The market is expected to become increasingly competitive over the next five years, and additional value, innovation, and sustainability will be critical to long-term success.

Edible Insects Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2024, London opened its first fully insect-based restaurant, Yum Bug, in Finsbury Park. The restaurant aimed to revolutionize the food industry by showing how edible insects could contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system. 
• In November 2023, Entobel, a Singapore-based company, opened the largest insect protein production facility in Vietnam, Asia. The state-of-the-art facility, which focused on producing black soldier fly larvae, had an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of protein meal.

Report Coverage

By Product Type

• Whole Insects
• Insect Powder
• Insect-Based Snacks
• Insect Oil

 By Insect Type

• Crickets
• Grasshoppers
• Mealworms
• Black Soldier Flies
• Silkworms
• Ants
• Cicadas
• Others

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Nutraceuticals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Ynsect
• AgriProtein
• Exo Protein
• Cricket One
• EnviroFlight
• Protix
• Insectta
• Hargol FoodTech
• Bugsolutely
• House of Insects
• Aspire Food Group
• Grub Kitchen
• Enterra Feed Corporation
• Insectious
• Jimini's
• Biobest Group
• Green Protein
• Kreca

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)