Edible Insects Market by Insect Type (Ants, Beetles, Black Soldier Flies, Caterpillars, Crickets, Mealworms, Silkworms, Grasshoppers, Tree Bugs, Cicadas, and Others), Product (Insect Powder, Insect Oil, Whole Insect, and Insect Meal), Application (Animal Feed, Cosmetics, Protein Bar & Shakes, Beverages, Confectionary, Bakery, Agriculture, and Others), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2023 – 2031
The global edible insects market size was nearly USD 3.1 Bn in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 9.76 Bn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 27.32% during 2023–2031. Increasing awareness about the health benefits of insect proteins is likely to boost the market.
Edible insects are those that can be consumed and digested by humans and animals. They are known as a sustainable source of food, which can be farmed without damaging the environment. It includes flies, bees, ants, wasps, scale insects, mealworms, tree bugs, termites, beetles, caterpillars, and cockroaches. These insects are processed and used as a source of protein.
Edible insects are rich sources of nutrition for poultry. Therefore, they are widely used as an alternative source of protein in pigs, poultry, and fish feeds. Edible insect species that are mass-reared have the ability to feed on different substrates such as organic waste streams. It has the ability to convert organic waste into high-quality nutrients.
Edible insects are available in two forms; raw and dried. Raw edible insects are those that have not been processed. These insects are consumed in their natural form. Whereas, dried edible insects are freeze-dried or dehydrated, which requires rehydration before being consumed.
Insect-based proteins are a good source of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and healthy fats compared to soybean meals and fish meals. These proteins are rich in high protein content that are available in the form of powder, oil, or meal.
The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the market. The lack of availability of raw materials and skilled labor majorly affected manufacturing units. Furthermore, preventive measures imposed by the government to curb the outspread of the virus have disturbed the operation and proper flow of commercial insect farming, which disrupted the overall supply chain of the market.
Edible Insects Market Dynamics
Major Drivers
High cost of animal-based protein is expected to drive the market during the forecast period. Insect protein products are an alternative source to animal protein, which contains high protein content, key vitamins, fatty acids, minerals, protein, and lower fat than beef or pork. Furthermore, rising awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of insect-based protein accelerates the market.
Increasing usage in food & beverages is projected to boost the market. Insect-based protein powder is widely used in protein bars & shakes, due to its high protein content. Moreover, rising approvals for governing insect production and selling insects are likely to propel the market.
- For instance, according to the FDA’s study, up to 10% of green coffee beans become infested with insects and roaches. However, it is impossible to completely exterminate these insects, so they just get roasted and brewed with the beans.
- According to a report published by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), there are some regulatory frameworks for edible insects in distinct countries to govern the production and commercialization of insects in food and feed supply chains.
- In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority approved the sale of insects for human consumption, including yellow mealworms and migratory locusts.
Existing Restraints
High consumption of edible insects may cause allergies, which is likely to hinder the market. Moreover, the lack of awareness about the consumption of edible insects among the population restraints the market.
Scope of the Edible Insects Market Report
The market report includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Edible Insects Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2022 |
Historic Data |
2016–2021 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2031 |
Segmentation |
Insect Type (Ants, Beetles, Black Soldier Flies, Caterpillars, Crickets, Mealworms, Silkworms, Grasshoppers, Tree Bugs, Cicadas, and Others), Product (Insect Powder, Insect Oil, Whole Insect, and Insect Meal), and Application (Animal Feed, Cosmetics, Protein Bar & Shakes, Beverages, Confectionary, Bakery, Agriculture, and Others) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
All Things Bugs, LLC.; Aspire Food Group; Armstrong Crickets Georgia; Beetle Source; BETA HATCH; BUGSfeed; BioflyTech; Chapul LLC; EnterraFrass; EntoCube Ltd.; Entomo Farms; Enviroflight; Fluker's Cricket Farm; Global Bugs Asia; GRAN MITLA U.S.; Hargol FoodTech; HEXAFLY; HiProMine; Innovafeed; Insectéo; Invertapro AS; Jimini's; JR Unique Foods Ltd.; Kreca Ento-Feed BV; nextProtein; Nutrition Technologies; Protenga; Protix; Symton Black Soldier Fly; TEBRIO; and Ynsect |
Edible Insects Market Segment Insights
Based on insect type, the edible insects market is segmented into ants, beetles, black soldier flies, caterpillars, crickets, mealworms, silkworms, grasshoppers, tree bugs, cicadas, and others. The crickets segment held a large share of the market in 2022 and is expected to register a robust growth rate in the coming years, due to its low cost and ease of availability. They are non-toxic compared to others and are widely used in farming. The easy farming and processing of crickets is likely to contribute to segment growth.
The beetles segment is anticipated to grow at a significant growth rate during the projection period, as they are the most consumed invertebrates. They are highly rich in protein and serve as a better alternative to non-veg food such as chicken and beef.
On the basis of product, the market is fragmented into insect powder, insect oil, whole insect, and insect meal. The whole insect segment is projected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the assessment period, owing to the rising adoption as a whole in BBQ, dried, and raw forms. The segment growth is further attributed to the wide availability and the low cost compared to processed form.
The insect powder segment is estimated to account for a key share of the market in the coming years, due to the ease of availability and longer shelf life. Powder forms are easy to store. Growing adoption of insect-based protein powder to make protein bars & shakes is likely to propel the segment.
Based on application, the market is divided into animal feed, cosmetics, protein bar & shakes, beverages, confectionary, bakery, agriculture, and others. The animal feed segment is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the assessment period, due to the increasing demand from poultry and fish farms. Edible insects provide essential amino acids and proteins, which are required for animals.
The agriculture segment is estimated to hold a significant share of the market during the projected period, due to the growing adoption of insects as a pest. Insect provides a natural ecosystem service in the form of biological control of plant pests and pollination. It helps to recycle the organic waste into humus and improve the quality of the soil. Rising agriculture practices at a rapid pace are further likely to fuel the segment.
In terms of region, the global edible insects market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the projection period, owing to the growing popularity of insect-based cuisine in China. The regional market growth is further attributed to the rising insect farming at a rapid pace, as the governments in the region are taking initiatives to save aquatic animals and the increasing adoption of insects in human diets.
- For instance, according to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), in Asia, red palm weevils are the most popular in many countries.
The market in Europe is projected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period, due to the high adoption of invertebrates for curing malnutrition, as they are easy to digest and resistant to disease transmission compared to other animals. Moreover, increasing consumers’ focus on health and wellness is further expected to fuel the market in the region.
2. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
3. Research Methodology
4. Edible Insects Market Overview
4.1. Introduction
4.1.1. Market Taxonomy
4.1.2. Market Definition
4.2. Macro-Economic Factors
4.2.1. Industry Outlook
4.3. Edible Insects Market Dynamics
4.3.1. Market Drivers
4.3.2. Market Restraints
4.3.3. Opportunity
4.3.4. Market Trends
4.4. Edible Insects Market - Supply Chain
4.5. Global Edible Insects Market Forecast
4.5.1. Edible Insects Market Size (US$ Mn) and Y-o-Y Growth
4.5.2. Edible Insects Market Size (000’ Units) and Y-o-Y Growth
4.5.3. Edible Insects Market Absolute $ Opportunity
5. Global Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast by Applications
5.1. Market Trends
5.2. Introduction
5.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
5.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
5.3. Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
5.3.1. Animal Feed
5.3.2. Cosmetics
5.3.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
5.3.4. Beverages
5.3.5. Confectionary
5.3.6. Bakery
5.3.7. Agriculture
5.3.8. Others
5.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Applications
5.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Applications
6. Global Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast by Region
6.1. Market Trends
6.2. Introduction
6.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Region
6.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Region
6.3. Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Region
6.3.1. North America
6.3.2. Latin America
6.3.3. Europe
6.3.4. Asia Pacific
6.3.5. Middle East and Africa (MEA)
6.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Region
6.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Region
6.6. Global Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
7. North America Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast
7.1. Introduction
7.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
7.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
7.2. North America Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
7.2.1. U.S.
7.2.2. Canada
7.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
7.4. North America Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
7.4.1. Animal Feed
7.4.2. Cosmetics
7.4.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
7.4.4. Beverages
7.4.5. Confectionary
7.4.6. Bakery
7.4.7. Agriculture
7.4.8. Others
7.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
7.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
7.7. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
7.7.1. By Country
7.7.2. By Product Type
7.7.3. By Application
7.8. North America Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
8. Latin America Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast
8.1. Introduction
8.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
8.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
8.1.3. Latin America Average Pricing Analysis
8.2. Latin America Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
8.2.1. Brazil
8.2.2. Mexico
8.2.3. Rest of Latin America
8.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
8.4. Latin America Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
8.4.1. Animal Feed
8.4.2. Cosmetics
8.4.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
8.4.4. Beverages
8.4.5. Confectionary
8.4.6. Bakery
8.4.7. Agriculture
8.4.8. Others
8.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
8.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
8.7. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
8.7.1. By Country
8.7.2. By Product Type
8.7.3. By Application
8.8. Latin America Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
9. Europe Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast
9.1. Introduction
9.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
9.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
9.1.3. Europe Average Pricing Analysis
9.2. Europe Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
9.2.1. Germany
9.2.2. France
9.2.3. Italy
9.2.4. U.K.
9.2.5. Spain
9.2.6. Russia
9.2.7. Rest of Europe
9.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
9.4. Europe Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
9.4.1. Animal Feed
9.4.2. Cosmetics
9.4.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
9.4.4. Beverages
9.4.5. Confectionary
9.4.6. Bakery
9.4.7. Agriculture
9.4.8. Others
9.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
9.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
9.7. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
9.7.1. By Country
9.7.2. By Product Type
9.7.3. By Application
9.8. Europe Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
10. Asia Pacific Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast
10.1. Introduction
10.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
10.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
10.1.3. Asia Pacific Average Pricing Analysis
10.2. Asia Pacific Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
10.2.1. China
10.2.2. Japan
10.2.3. South Korea
10.2.4. India
10.2.5. Australia
10.2.6. Rest of Asia Pacific (APAC)
10.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
10.4. Asia Pacific Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
10.4.1. Animal Feed
10.4.2. Cosmetics
10.4.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
10.4.4. Beverages
10.4.5. Confectionary
10.4.6. Bakery
10.4.7. Agriculture
10.4.8. Others
10.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
10.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
10.7. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
10.7.1. By Country
10.7.2. By Product Type
10.7.3. By Application
10.8. Asia Pacific Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
11. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Analysis and Forecast
11.1. Introduction
11.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
11.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
11.1.3. Middle East & Africa Average Pricing Analysis
11.2. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
11.2.1. Saudi Arabia
11.2.2. South Africa
11.2.3. UAE
11.2.4. Rest of Middle East & Africa (MEA)
11.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
11.4. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
11.4.1. Animal Feed
11.4.2. Cosmetics
11.4.3. Protein Bar & Shakes
11.4.4. Beverages
11.4.5. Confectionary
11.4.6. Bakery
11.4.7. Agriculture
11.4.8. Others
11.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
11.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
11.7. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
11.7.1. By Country
11.7.2. By Product Type
11.7.3. By Application
11.8. Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
12. Competition Landscape
12.1. Global Edible Insects Market: Market Share Analysis
12.2. Edible Insects Distributors and Customers
12.3. Edible Insects Market: Competitive Dashboard
12.4. Company Profiles (Details: Overview, Financials, Developments, Strategy)
12.4.1. All Things Bugs, LLC.
12.4.2. Aspire Food Group
12.4.3. Armstrong Crickets Georgia
12.4.4. Beetle Source
12.4.5. BETA HATCH
12.4.6. BUGSfeed
12.4.7. BioflyTech
12.4.8. Chapul LLC
12.4.9. EnterraFrass
12.4.10. EntoCube Ltd.
12.4.11. Entomo Farms
12.4.12. Enviroflight
12.4.13. Fluker's Cricket Farm
12.4.14. Global Bugs Asia
12.4.15. GRAN MITLA U.S.
12.4.16. Hargol FoodTech
12.4.17. HEXAFLY
12.4.18. HiProMine
12.4.19. Innovafeed
12.4.20. Insectéo
12.4.21. Invertapro AS
12.4.22. Jimini's
12.4.23. JR Unique Foods Ltd.
12.4.24. Kreca Ento-Feed BV
12.4.25. nextProtein
12.4.26. Nutrition Technologies
12.4.27. Protenga
12.4.28. Protix
12.4.29. Symton Black Soldier Fly
12.4.30. TEBRIO
12.4.31. Ynsect