Edible Insects Market Size

Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

The world market for edible insects is estimated to reach $ 1.1 billion by 2024, and by 2035, this figure is expected to have reached $ 4.5 billion. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the period from 2025 to 2035 is 13.38%. This upward trend is driven by the growing acceptance of edible insects as a sustainable source of high-quality, sustainable and healthy protein, as well as by the growing health and environmental awareness of consumers. As the world's population continues to grow and food security continues to decline, the emergence of edible insects as a viable alternative to meet the needs of the growing world population and the need to achieve global food security is a welcome development. In addition, technological developments in insect farming and processing are also expected to drive the market. Breeding methods, feed efficiency and automation systems are improving productivity and reducing costs. The major players in the market, such as Ynsect, Aspire Food Group and Exo Protein, are investing heavily in research and development, establishing strategic alliances and launching new products. Ynsect's expansion into the North American market and Aspire Food Group's collaboration with food manufacturers are strategic moves that aim to take advantage of the growing demand for insect-based foods. As the trend towards sustainable and healthy food continues, the edible insects market is expected to grow rapidly.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The edible insects market is experiencing significant growth across the world, mainly driven by the growing awareness of the importance of sustainable food production and the nutritional benefits of edible insects. Each region is characterised by its own unique characteristics, which are influenced by cultural acceptance, legislation and economic factors. For instance, in North America the market is characterised by a growing trend towards more sustainable and healthy eating, while in Asia Pacific traditional eating habits are being modernised to meet current demands. In general, the combination of innovation, consumer education and government support is creating a strong future for edible insects.

Europe

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved several insect species for human consumption, including mealworms and crickets, which has opened the door for new product development and market entry across the continent.
• Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium are at the forefront of edible insect farming, with initiatives supported by government programs aimed at promoting sustainable food production and reducing environmental impact.

Asia Pacific

• The use of insects as a source of food has been traditional in many parts of the East. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the production of insects for human consumption, backed up by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• China is rapidly expanding its edible insect market, with significant investments in insect farming technology and processing facilities, driven by both domestic consumption and export opportunities.

Latin America

• Countries like Mexico have a rich history of edible insect consumption, with initiatives to promote traditional practices and integrate them into modern culinary trends, supported by local chefs and food entrepreneurs.
• The region is witnessing a rise in insect farming startups, particularly in Brazil, where companies are leveraging local biodiversity to produce a variety of edible insects for both domestic and international markets.

North America

• The U.S. has seen a surge in startups focusing on edible insect products, with companies like Exo Protein and Chapul leading the way in cricket protein bars and snacks, reflecting a growing consumer interest in alternative protein sources.
• Regulatory changes by the FDA have begun to clarify the status of edible insects as food products, which is expected to enhance consumer confidence and encourage more companies to enter the market.

Middle East And Africa

• In South Africa, the government is exploring regulatory frameworks to support the edible insect industry, recognizing its potential to address food security and nutritional challenges in the region.
• Innovative projects, such as the 'Insect Protein Project' in Kenya, are focusing on using black soldier fly larvae for waste management and protein production, showcasing the dual benefits of sustainability and food security.

Did You Know?

“Over 2 billion people worldwide consume insects as part of their diet, with crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers being among the most popular choices.” — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Segmental Market Size

The edible insect market is growing, driven by the growing interest of consumers in sustainable protein sources. The nutritional qualities of insects, such as their high content of essential vitamins and their high content of vegetable protein, are also contributing to the demand for edible insects. The policy framework in regions such as the European Union and North America is gradually changing to support the commercialization of edible insects, which also increases the potential for the market. The edible insect market is now in the commercialization stage, with companies such as Exo and Aspire Food Group leading in product development and distribution. The main applications of edible insects are in the areas of snacks, dietary bars, and animal feed, illustrating the versatility of edible insects in the food industry. Moreover, the growing interest in sustainable food and the growing demand for alternative food sources in the context of climate change will continue to stimulate the growth of the edible insect market. The automation of insect breeding and the development of new processing methods will continue to shape the market, making the production of edible insects more efficient and cost-effective.

Future Outlook

The edible insect market is set to grow from $1.13 billion in 2024 to $4.5 billion by 2035, with a robust CAGR of 13.38%. This growth is based on the rising global population, the increasing awareness of sustainable food sources and the need to meet the growing food security challenges. As consumers become more health conscious and environmentally aware, the acceptance of edible insects as a viable source of food and feed is set to increase. By 2035, penetration rates could reach up to 20% in certain markets. Meanwhile, technological advancements in the farming and processing of edible insects are expected to increase the efficiency and scalability of the industry. The evolution of regulatory frameworks, which are likely to be more favourable to the commercialization of edible insects, will also be a major factor. The growing trend towards alternative sources of protein, driven by both concerns for the environment and changing diets, will also strengthen the position of edible insects in the global food supply chain. All these factors will combine to make edible insects an important part of the sustainable food system, attracting investment and stimulating product development in a wide range of sectors.