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The edible insects market size is forecast to increase by USD 11.42 billion at a CAGR of 46.02% between 2023 and 2028. The growth of the market depends on several factors, including the growing food shortage across the globe, the high nutritional value derived from insects, and the low cost of Insect rearing. The market is experiencing substantial expansion fueled by the increasing severity of the global food shortage crisis. As reported by the FAO, approximately 768 million individuals grappled with hunger in 2020, exacerbated by disruptions in food supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly vulnerable regions like APAC and Africa are confronting significant food inadequacies, impacting millions. With the FAO projecting a doubling of food shortage sufferers by 2030, there is a growing interest in alternative protein sources such as edible insects to address this pressing issue.
It also includes an in-depth analysis of market trends and analysis, market growth analysis and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2018 - 2022.
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The market is witnessing a surge in demand driven by concerns over resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and greenhouse gases associated with traditional protein production methods. As consumers seek sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, edible insects are gaining traction as a viable protein source. These alternative protein sources offer nutritional benefits, including essential amino acids and Necessary minerals, while also promoting the principles of a circular economy. Products like Cricket Pasta cater to the growing demand from entotarians and health-conscious consumers. Regulatory frameworks for edible insects are evolving to ensure safety and quality standards. With increased accessibility and affordability through retail outlets, edible insects are finding applications in both human food and animal feed industries, further fueling demand and awareness about their ecological and nutritional advantages in the market. Our researchers analyzed the market research and growth data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The market is witnessing significant growth driven by the escalating global food shortage crisis. According to the FAO, approximately 768 million people suffered from hunger in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating food supply disruptions. Regions such as APAC and Africa are particularly affected, with millions facing food inadequacy. As the FAO predicts a doubling of the number of people suffering from food shortages by 2030, alternative protein sources like edible insects are gaining traction.
Furthermore, these protein-rich sources offer nutritional benefits while being environmentally sustainable and easily grown in tropical regions, addressing resource scarcity concerns. Regulatory frameworks for edible insects are evolving, making them more accessible and affordable. With increasing awareness and demand from both Food industries and feed industries, the market is poised for substantial growth in the forecast period, contributing to a more sustainable food ecosystem.
Growing knowledge about the benefits is the primary trend in market growth. The growing consumer awareness of the benefits of consuming is an important market trend. The environmental and nutritional benefits of eating insects are gaining the attention of consumers, who are becoming more aware of the need for more sustainable and nutritious food options. Consumers who are concerned about the environment are discovering edible insects to be a highly sustainable source of protein, whose production involves much fewer resources than conventional livestock.
In addition to being a common food in many cultures around the world, insects are also a rich source of important nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Hence, this trend is expected to drive the growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.
Major Market Challenge
The high risk of contamination is a major challenge to the growth of the global market. Heavy metals, pesticides, and bacteria are just a few of the environmental hazards that insects commonly come into contact with. These risks are especially high when insects are bred in organic waste that may contain dangerous pathogens. Contamination can happen at different stages of insect production and processing, right from feed sources to handling and packaging, which poses a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers and may result in legal problems and product recalls.
Companies operating in the global market must have stringent quality control procedures in place and ensure that their goods adhere to stringent safety standards to overcome this difficulty. This entails performing routine checks for contaminants in insects and feed sources, as well as following the right handling and processing guidelines to prevent contamination. Hence, contamination can be a potential challenge, which can hinder the growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth and forecasting strategies.
Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
All Things Bugs LLC: The company offers edible insects such as Griopro insect powder. Also, the company offers insect agriculture industrial products.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market share growth by the human consumption segment will be significant during the forecast period. There are about 2,300 species of insect species for human consumption. Insects have been consumed by many cultures for over 7,000 years. Insects are a rich source of protein, fiber, good fats, and essential minerals, making them an excellent food source.
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The human consumption segment was valued at USD 372.00 million in 2018. According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), around 2 billion people consume insects regularly. Moreover, insect rearing requires less land than livestock rearing, which helped meet the global food shortage. According to the FAO, around 768 million people were suffering from hunger in 2020 across the world, which is expected to double by 2030. Hence, the market for conducive to human consumption is expected to grow during the forecast period.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 43% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
APAC is the world's largest consumer. The major drivers of the Asia-Pacific edible insect market are food scarcity and tropical climates favorable for raising edible insects. Tropical insects are suitable for insect rearing because they are large and have a stable life cycle. Moreover, the food shortage in APAC is huge. According to the FAO, almost 468 million people faced the problem of hunger in the region in 2020. Countries are struggling to find new food sources to feed the growing populations. Edible insect rearing requires less land than livestock rearing, thus making insects an excellent alternative food source in the region. Hence, the market is expected to grow in the region during the forecast period.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
Insect Repellent Market: Insect Repellent Market Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, India, Japan, Germany - Size and Forecast
Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market: Genetically Modified (GMO) Food Market by Type, Product Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis
Oilseeds Market: Oilseeds Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis
The market is experiencing significant growth due to various factors such as changing eating habits, environmental regulations, and the need for eco-friendly high-protein diets. Companies like Agriprotein Technologies, Exo Protein, and Gathr Foods are leading the way in new product development and the promotion of insect-based products. These products offer essential nutrients and protein-rich food options, appealing to athletes and those following ketogenic or paleo diets. Insect farming helps reduce the ecological footprint compared to traditional animal protein sources, making it an environmentally sustainable option. Despite ethical and psychological barriers, the market for mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers is expanding, driven by the growing awareness of their nutritional benefits and lower impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the market is rapidly growing as more people seek sustainable and nutritious food sources. Insects offer a high protein alternative to traditional animal-based proteins like buffalo and crowbar protein, with crickets and mealworms being popular choices. Companies like Crik Nutrition and Thailand Unique are pioneering the development of eco-friendly high protein diets by promoting insects as a viable food source. Despite ethical barriers and allergies, the market is expanding due to increased interest from sports persons and those following ketogenic or paleo diets. Insects can be consumed in various forms, including dried or in protein bars, providing essential minerals and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional agriculture. Sports persons often opt for a paleo diet, focusing on protein-rich food, Food and feed industries, including plant-based protein sources in raw form, with an emphasis on six foods.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
164 |
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Base year |
2023 |
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Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
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Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 46.02% |
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Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 11.43 billion |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
32.78 |
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Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
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Performing market contribution |
APAC at 43% |
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Key countries |
US, China, Thailand, UK, and South Korea |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
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Key companies profiled |
All Things Bugs LLC, Armstrong Crickets Georgia, Aspire Food Group, Beta Hatch, Bioflytech, Darling Ingredients Inc., Eat Grub, Edible Bug Shop, Entomo Farms, Global Bugs Asia Co. Ltd., Hargol FoodTech, HEXAFLY, Innovafeed SAS, JR Unique Foods Ltd., MealFood Europe SL, nextProtein SA, Nutrition Technologies, Protenga Pte. Ltd., Protix BV, and Ynsect SAS |
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Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market forecast, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
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Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Application
7 Market Segmentation by Product Type
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
11 Competitive Landscape
12 Competitive Analysis
13 Appendix
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