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 insect protein market is primarily driven by the nutritional advantages insects provide. Insects offer high-quality protein content with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. For instance, dry-weight protein in insects like crickets ranges between 60% and 75%, comparable to or exceeding traditional meats. The inclusion of healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids further supports cardiovascular and brain health. Such nutritional appeal attracts health-conscious consumers including athletes, bodybuilders, and those on specialized diets like ketogenic or paleo, fueling demand.

The rising global population is propelling protein demand, projected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. Traditional protein sources face sustainability challenges due to overfishing, land degradation, and environmental impact of livestock farming. This fosters interest in alternative proteins like insect protein. Innovations in food technology facilitate the inclusion of insect-based ingredients in products such as burgers, protein bars, and snacks. A UK Food Standards Agency survey found 37% of people willing to try edible insects when incorporated into ground food products, indicating growing acceptance and market potential.

Prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases also supports market expansion. The CDC reports 6 in 10 U.S. adults suffer from chronic diseases, with many having multiple conditions. Similarly, in India, 21% of elderly adults and urban geriatric populations show significant chronic disease incidence. High-protein insect diets can help mitigate these health issues by providing nutrient-dense alternatives. Many insect species contain 50% to 80% protein by dry weight, aiding long-term management of chronic illnesses through improved nutrition.

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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