Insect Protein Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Source (Ants, Black soldier flies, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Mealworms, Others (Beetles, Buffalo Worms, Silkworms)), By Application (Animal Feed, Food and beverages, Personal Care), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The insect protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.53%, reaching US$2,062.487 million by 2030 from US$716.920 million in 2025.

With the growing global population, it is estimated that conventional agricultural and livestock farming will be rendered incapable of providing the required amount of food that is supposed to meet the dietary requirements.

This factor has gained traction due to the growing global population estimated to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100 from 7.7 billion in 2019, according to World Population Prospects (WPP) by the United Nations. Additionally, it may be noted that the environment is under a lot of stress from activities related to agriculture and livestock, and sustaining the projected number of people further will translate into an unprecedented negative interaction with the environment.

Thus, considering the plethora of factors that influence the choice of consumers, corporate and environmental sustainability concerns have gained much focus worldwide. Moreover, factors like fresh, natural, and/or organic ingredients and environment-friendly operations are turning the tide in favor of the insect protein market. This, coupled with the growing cognizance of the negative externalities that are caused by animal husbandry activities, further encourages market players to invest in insect protein geared toward human consumption. Additionally, consumers' health and wellness aspirations are a constant determinant influencing human consumption habits.

Apart from this, generation Z is the key demographic expected to drive the market for insect protein during the forecast period. The aforesaid trajectory towards insect protein has been exemplified by the fact that chicken from birds fed on diets that include insect oil instead of vegetable oil was reported to be included among the poultry offerings of a French supermarket chain. Moreover, InnovaFeed, a French insect protein company, supplied insect oil, aiding the feed formulator, Nealia, in developing poultry ration recipes to replace soybean oil.

What are the drivers of the insect protein market?

• Growing use in animal feed application

One of the major drivers of the insect protein market is the growing usage of insect protein in animal feed applications. Insect meal presents a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional feed sources like soy and fishmeal. Unlike these conventional feed sources, insect farming has a significantly lower environmental impact, reducing deforestation and overfishing.

By reducing dependence on traditional feed sources, insect protein reduces pressure on global food supplies and enhances food security. With the rising global population, the demand for protein-rich food sources is also increasing. Comprehensively, insect protein offers a promising solution to meet this increasing demand with minimal environmental impact.

• Increasing Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources

The growing demand for sustainable protein sources is one of the major drivers for the insect protein market, which is fueled by environmental concerns and the need for resource-efficient solutions. Traditional livestock farming is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of land, water, and feed, and is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. In contrast, insect farming is a sustainable alternative because insects require fewer resources, convert feed into protein efficiently, and produce far fewer emissions.

This aligns with global sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon footprints, achieving carbon neutrality, and promoting a circular economy, as insect farming often utilizes organic waste as feed. Moreover, as the global population grows and protein demand soars, insect protein provides a scalable, climate-resilient solution. Increasing consumer awareness, with ethical and environmental concerns about traditional meat production, is further speeding the shift toward insect-based protein, supported by innovations in farming and processing technologies.

The insect protein market is segmented into five regions worldwide:

Geography-wise, the market of insect proteins is divided into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The global insect protein market is geographically diversified, with growth drivers unique to each region. North America, particularly the United States, is a mature market with high consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious food products. As of January 2024, the United States of America population, according to the US Census Bureau, was calculated to be 335,893,238. This is up 1,759,535 or 0.53% since January 2023 and up 4,443,957, or 1.34% from Census Day of April 2020. This region has an established regulatory framework and a supportive consumer base and is an ideal insect protein market.

Sustainability and environmental concerns are some of the major drivers in the European region since insect farming is a relatively greener alternative to the traditional livestock industry. There is further growth in consumer demand for sustainable and healthy food products, favorable regulatory environments, and strong research and development efforts.

On the other hand, Asia-Pacific, especially China and India, is an emerging market with great potential. This region's population is growing fast, and there is an increasing demand for protein-rich foods, creating a need for alternative protein sources such as insect protein. Government support and investments in sustainable agriculture are further boosting the regional market growth.

Insect Protein Market Key Developments:

• In October 2023, Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the largest food companies in the world, agreed to a two-time investment with Protix, a leading global insect ingredients company. The strategic investment supports the growth of the young insect ingredient industry. It facilitates the expansion of insect-based ingredient solutions to create more sustainable proteins and lipids for utilization in the global food system.
• In March 2023, Marubeni Corporation signed a letter of intent to collaborate with SAS Ÿnsect, the world leader in the production of insect protein and natural insect fertilizers, to enter the Japanese market.

The insect protein market is segmented and analyzed as follows:

• By Source
  • Ants
  • Black Soldier Flies
  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Mealworms
  • Others (beetles, buffalo worms, silkworms)
• By Application
  • Animal Feed
  • Food and Beverage
  • Personal Care
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Europe
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Rest of the Middle East and Africa
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Market Overview

1.2. Market Definition

1.3. Scope of the Study

1.4. Market Segmentation

1.5. Currency

1.6. Assumptions

1.7. Base and Forecast Years Timeline

1.8. Key benefits for the stakeholders

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Research Process

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Key Findings

3.2. Analyst View

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. The Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

5. INSECT PROTEIN MARKET BY SOURCE

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Ants

5.3. Black soldier flies

5.4. Crickets

5.5. Grasshoppers

5.6. Mealworms

5.7. Others (beetles, buffalo worms, silkworms)

6. INSECT PROTEIN MARKET BY APPLICATION

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Animal Feed

6.3. Food and Beverage

6.4. Personal Care

7. INSECT PROTEIN MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

7.1. Global Overview

7.2. North America

7.2.1. United States

7.2.2. Canada

7.2.3. Mexico

7.3. South America

7.3.1. Brazil

7.3.2. Argentina

7.3.3. Rest of South America

7.4. Europe

7.4.1. United Kingdom

7.4.2. Germany

7.4.3. France

7.4.4. Italy

7.4.5. Spain

7.4.6. Rest of Europe

7.5. Middle East and Africa

7.5.1. Saudi Arabia

7.5.2. United Arab Emirates

7.5.3. Rest of the Middle East and Africa

7.6. Asia-Pacific

7.6.1. China

7.6.2. India

7.6.3. Japan

7.6.4. South Korea

7.6.5. Taiwan

7.6.6. Thailand

7.6.7. Indonesia

7.6.8. Rest of Asia-Pacific

8. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

8.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

8.2. Market Share Analysis

8.3. Mergers, Acquisitions, Agreements, and Collaborations

8.4. Competitive Dashboard

9. COMPANY PROFILES

9.1. EntomoFarms

9.2. Ynsect

9.3. Hexafly

9.4. Innovafeed

9.5. nextProtein

9.6. Inseco

9.7. Buhler Group

9.8. Darling Ingredients

9.9. Aspire Food Group

9.10. Protix

EntomoFarms

Ynsect

Hexafly

Innovafeed

nextProtein

Inseco

Buhler Group

Darling Ingredients

Aspire Food Group

 

Protix