The global insect protein market size reached USD 1,171.4 million in 2024. It is projected to grow to USD 5,528.0 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.82% during the forecast period 2025-2033. This growth is driven by rising awareness of insect protein's nutritional value, demand for alternative proteins, and increased adoption in animal feed.
Study Assumption Years
- Base Year: 2024
- Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
- Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033
Insect Protein Market Key Takeaways
- Current Market Size: USD 1,171.4 Million in 2024
- CAGR: 18.82%
- Forecast Period: 2025-2033
- Nutritional benefits of insects such as high-quality protein with a favorable amino acid profile and essential minerals drive market growth.
- Growing need for alternate protein sources due to environmental concerns and population growth supports expansion.
- Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases boosts demand for nutrient-rich protein diets including insect protein.
- Europe leads with strong regulatory support, high awareness, and advanced R&D infrastructure.
- Offline distribution channel holds the largest market share due to consumer preference for physical product inspection.
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Market Growth Factors
The global shift toward environmental sustainability is a primary driver for the insect protein market. As traditional livestock farming faces scrutiny for its high land and water usage, insects like crickets (Orthoptera) and beetles (Coleoptera) offer a resource-efficient alternative with a significantly lower carbon footprint. This demand is particularly evident in the animal nutrition application, where insect-based meals are replacing expensive fishmeal and soymeal in aquaculture and poultry feed. High feed conversion efficiency ensures that these alternative protein sources meet the needs of a growing population while aligning with global food security goals. Furthermore, the expansion of online distribution channels has made these sustainable products more accessible to eco-conscious consumers.
Innovations in insect farming and extraction technologies are crucial for meeting industrial-scale demand. The integration of automation and precision farming tools has optimized the breeding and harvesting of species like Diptera (black soldier fly) and Lepidoptera (caterpillars), reducing labor costs and improving product consistency. These technological breakthroughs allow for the production of versatile forms, such as high-quality protein powders and oils, which are increasingly utilized in the food and beverages sector for snacks and protein bars. Advanced processing also supports applications in pharmaceuticals and supplements, where bioavailable insect proteins are used for specialized medical nutrition. Scalable manufacturing ensures that insect protein remains a cost-competitive solution compared to conventional proteins.
Supportive regulatory frameworks, particularly in Europe and North America, are catalyzing market entry for insect-based ingredients. Approvals for using insect protein in monogastric animal feed and the recognition of certain species as "novel foods" have boosted institutional confidence. This shift has expanded the use of insect derivatives in personal care and cosmetics, where insect-derived fats and oils serve as natural substitutes in skincare. Additionally, aggressive marketing and consumer education are mitigating cultural stigmas, leading to wider adoption through offline distribution channels like supermarkets. As regulatory bodies establish safety standards for species like Hymenoptera and Hemiptera, the market is poised for long-term growth across diverse geographic regions.
Market Segmentation
Source
- Coleoptera: Includes various beetle species like mealworm beetles, valued for high protein content and adaptability to diverse organic waste, ideal for human nutrition and aquaculture feed.
- Lepidoptera: Comprises butterflies and moths, such as silkworms, converting inedible plant matter into quality protein, complementing the silk industry for dual economic benefits.
- Hymenoptera: Encompasses bees, wasps, and ants, harvested for unique nutritional benefits, with edible ant species popular in certain local diets due to rich mineral content.
- Orthoptera: Includes grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts; crickets are extensively farmed for high protein, rapid growth, and ease of processing into powders used in protein bars and snacks.
- Hemiptera: True bugs like cicadas and aphids, appreciated for distinctive flavors and textures in gourmet and exotic cuisines; cultivation is complex but culturally embraced.
- Diptera: Black soldier fly larvae, notable for efficient organic waste conversion to high-quality protein, used in human foods and premium animal feeds in aquaculture and pets.
Distribution Channel
- Offline: Dominates the market share due to availability in supermarkets, health food stores, and specialty stores; allows physical inspection, direct consumer engagement, and immediate assistance.
- Online: Identified as an alternate channel, though less dominant than offline.
Application
- Animal Nutrition: The largest segment driven by demand for sustainable feed in aquaculture and poultry; insect proteins such as black soldier fly and mealworm are valued for amino acid profile and eco-friendly production.
- Food and Beverages: Growing incorporation in snacks, bars, and beverages to appeal to broader consumers.
- Pharmaceutical and Supplements: Utilized for nutritional benefits supporting health.
- Personal Care and Cosmetics: Emerging application leveraging insect protein properties.
Regional Insights
Europe leads the insect protein market, accounting for the largest share, supported by strong regulatory frameworks and high consumer awareness of environmental issues. The European Union actively regulates and promotes insect use as food and feed, which, combined with rising consumer willingness and significant R&D investment, fuels market growth. The proliferation of startups and companies focusing on insect protein extraction and integration into popular foods also drives Europe's dominant position.
Recent Developments & News
In February 2021, Aspire Food Group and collaborators including Telus Agriculture, DarwinAI, Swift Labs, and A&L Laboratories were awarded approximately USD 13.2 million by next generation manufacturing (NGen) to build a cricket protein plant in Canada. In February 2022, Innovafeed announced a collaboration with ADM to supply black soldier fly protein to ADM’s pet food division, aiming to produce nutritious pet foods with lower carbon footprint and land use compared to conventional proteins.
Key Players
- Aspire Food Group
- Chapul LLC
- Entomo Farms
- EnviroFlight LLC (Darling Ingredients)
- Goterra
- Hexafly
- InnovaFeed SAS
- Jimini's
- nextProtein
- Protenga
- Protix B.V.
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