Insect Protein Market Size, Share, By Insect Type (Crickets, Black Soldier Flies, Mealworms and Others), Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Nutrition, Aqua Feed, Poultry Feed, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, and Others), Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and By Region - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2035

• Insect Protein Market size is expected to grow at USD 1849.9 million by 2035.
• The target market was valued at USD 306.1 million in 2024.
• Target market is growing at a CAGR of 21.8%.

An insect protein refers to a protein kinase involved in phosphorylating other proteins, such as SRC-3, to regulate various cellular processes, such as gene transcription and metabolic pathways. The market is driven by the increasing awareness of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives of proteins, rising concerns regarding environment, and consumer trend toward reducing carbon footprints in production of food. In addition, high investment in alternative protein companies, nutritional benefits of edible insects are another factors propelling growth of the global market. Furthermore, technological advancements which increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of production is also anticipated to create opportunities for growth of the global market over the forecast period.

Key Takeaways:

• North America held the largest share of the market in 2024 due to strong presence of key manufacturers and many start-ups.
• Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market in the coming years. This is due to the increasing demand and economic development. 
• For instance, according to the data published by National Library of Medicine, approximately 2,000 insect species are consumed in at least 113 countries. A survey of markets in Bangkok, Thailand, identified 164 insect species being sold for food. In Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Nigeria, edible insects are commonly available in school cafeterias and open markets.

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Key Drivers of Target Market:

Health Benefits of Edible Insects to Propel Market Expansion

Target market is experiencing steady growth as insects have high protein content and excellent production efficiency compared with other conventional food group. Edible insects may have superior health benefits due to their high levels of vitamin B₁₂, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. The addition of edible insects, such as crickets to the human diet could offer a myriad of environmental and nutritional benefits, including an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, decreased agricultural use of land and water, improved prevention and management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and enhanced immune function. 

• For Instance, according to the article published in National Library of Medicine, the protein content of edible insects ranges from 35 to 60 percent dry weight (after being processed) or 10 to 25 percent fresh weight, which is higher than plant protein sources, such as cereals, soybeans, and lentils and can sometimes be greater than meat and eggs.

Restrains:

Risk Associates with Insect Protein can Hamper the Market Growth

There are some of the food concerns regarding insect protein, which may hamper market expansion.  People who suffer from seafood allergies should avoid edible insects as can develop serious allergic reaction. Many different kinds of bacteria that are known to make people sick have been found in insects including E. coli and Campylobacter. Pesticides, toxic metals, and dioxins are some chemicals that are of concern with insect consumption.

• For Instance, in July 2024, James Cook University researchers say food derived from crickets and flies can cause allergic reactions in people with existing shellfish allergy.

Counterbalance Statements: One of the major solutions to this problem is emergency treatments, individual with seafood allergies should not eaten insect protein, taking an injection of epinephrine, and among others.

Opportunities:

Edible Insects as Future Food Term will Create Significant Opportunities in Upcoming Years

The consumption of insects (entomophagy) has recently attracted global attention for health reasons and environmental and economic benefits.  The presence of high-quality protein and various micronutrients, along with potential environmental and economic benefits render edible insects globally, which is a major potential future food. 

• For instance, according to an article published in Journal of Future Foods in 2021, the nutritional quality of edible insects appears to be equivalent and sometimes superior to that of foods based on birds and mammals. In comparison with pigs and cattle, edible insects have a faster growth rate, a higher feed-into-food conversion efficiency, lower requirements for land and water and lower emissions of greenhouse gas and ammonia. Thus, entomophagy may preserve agricultural resources and reduce the ecological impact of animal-based food. These advantages suggest edible insects as an attractive future food source not only in low-income countries but also in high-resource settings

The market is segmented into insect type, application, distribution channel, and region. 

Insect Type

On the basis of insect type, the insect protein market is segmented into crickets, black soldier flies, mealworms, and others. The cricket’s type dominate the target market growth as they are able to convert organic waste into high-quality protein and fats.

• For Instance, in February 2024, Italy's cricket flour company has become the first in Italy to get the green light to sell insect products for food, defying Italian food purists.
• For Instance, in January 2024, The Netherlands-based product designer aspires to make cricket farming mainstream in the modern day with his recently unveiled tabletop cricket farm, Crikorama. Designed for home use, the innovative design supports the entire lifecycle of crickets, making it easy for users to cultivate and harvest crickets in their own kitchens.

Application

The insect protein market by application is segmented into food & beverages, animal nutrition, aqua feed, poultry feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and others. The animal nutrition segment holds the largest insect protein market share due to the rising demand for sustainable and high-quality feed.

• For Instance, in September 2024, Loopworm, a biosciences and biomanufacturing company specializing in sustainable insect-based products, has successfully obtained ISO 22000, GMP+ and HACCP certifications for its LoopFactory, a 6,000 tonne/year insect protein production facility in Bangalore. These certifications solidify Loopworm’s commitment to safety, quality, and compliance in producing insect-derived protein for pet food and animal feed markets.

Distribution Channel

The insect protein market by distribution channel is segmented into online and offline. The offline segment is expected to dominate the target market growth due to its convenience and accessibility.

Regional

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America: North America is expected to dominate the growth of the market during forecast period due to strong presence of key manufacturers and many start-ups, consumer acceptance of insect protein, and high demand, among others.

• For Instance, in April 2024, Innovafeed, a global leader in the production of insect ingredients for high-quality animal feed, pet food and plant nutrition, inaugurated its North American Insect Innovation Center (NAIIC) in Decatur, Illinois on the 18th of April. This pilot plant is the first step of the rising French agtech’s industrial expansion to North America and aims to scale up production and commercialization of insect protein in the USA.

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific region is considered to be the fastest growing region in the target market as countries like India, China and many more are leading the charge significantly due to increasing exports and domestic demand, easy availability of raw materials, growth in pharmaceuticals and food & beverages industries, and among others.

• In January 2024, insect foods start-up Plento is set to launch its range of baked crisps containing pea protein and cricket flour, which the firm claims counteract nutrient limitations of snacks made solely from plant-based protein in South Korea

Insect Protein Market Report Scope:

Segmentation:

By Insect Type:

• Crickets
• Black Soldier Flies
• Mealworms
• Others

By Application:

• Food & Beverages
• Animal Nutrition
• Aqua feed
• Poultry Feed
• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics
• Others

By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

The key players operating in the Insect protein market include Protix, EntomoFarms, Grubbly Farms, LIVIN farms AgriFood GmbH, and among others. These key players focusing on different organic and inorganic strategies, such as acquisition, merger, partnership, agreement, product launch and approval to expand their product portfolio and strengthen their market presence globally.

List of Key Players in the Market:

• Protix
• EntomoFarms
• Grubbly Farms
• LIVIN farms AgriFood GmbH
• nextProtein
• All Things Bugs, LLC
• Global Bugs Asia
• Darling Ingredients
• CricketOne Asia
• Protenga
• Some Grub
• Better Origin
• HEXAFLY
• Entocycle
• Jiminy’s

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• In July 2024, Singapore’s food watchdog announced that it has approved some 16 species of insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts for human consumption, adding to the internationally-renowned menu of global foods, including Chinese and Indian dishes in the multi-ethnic city-state.
• In May 2024, The Polish company, HiProMine has just launched a large insect facility in Karkoszow. The annual production capacity of livestock is estimated at 25,000 tons and the same amount of organic fertilizer. It is the largest plant in Central Europe, with proprietary technology for insect breeding and rearing.
• In January 2024, Sumitomo Corporation, through Sumitomo Corporation do Brasil S.A., announced a joint investment in a seed round for Cyns, a biotechnology company, to unlock the next chapter of black soldier fly (BSF) farming in Latin America.

Analyst View:

The industry for insect protein market is placed for substantial growth due to the increasing awareness of sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives of proteins, rising concern regarding environment, consumer trend toward reducing carbon footprints in production of food, high investment in alternative protein companies, and nutritional benefits of edible insects. New innovations and development, advance technologies, and many collaborations and partnerships helps to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

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