PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1826605
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1826605
Insect Protein Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Crickets, Mealworms, Grasshoppers, Ants, Bees, Termites, Black Soldier Fly, and Others (Plant Hoppers, and Scale Insects)), and by Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, and Personal Care & Cosmetics), Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Insect protein market was valued at $510.0 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $2,754.3 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 16.6% during the forecast period (2025- 2035). Insect protein comes from farmed insects and is used as food for people, pets, and farm animals. It is made by drying and grinding insects such as mealworms, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae into powders or adding them to other products. It is rich in nutrition, offering a lot of protein (sometimes more than 60% of its weight), healthy fats, and minerals. Insects are farmed in ways that need less land, water, and energy than traditional livestock, making them a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
As the global population grows and the demand for resource-efficient foods increases, insect protein is gaining attention for both human and animal nutrition. Products such as protein powders, snacks, and animal feed are becoming more common in regions such as Europe and the Asia-Pacific. For Instance, in January 2024, Ynsect received approval in the US to commercialize defatted mealworm protein for dog food, making it the first company authorized by AAFCO for this ingredient. This allows Ynsect to expand its market in North America, especially in pet food.
Market Dynamics
Technological Advancements Shaping the Insect Protein Market
Technological developments are accelerating transformation in the insect protein market by enabling large-scale, cost-effective production of insect-based food and feed. Modern insect farms now deploy automation and AI to monitor health, regulate growing environments, and boost productivity. For instance, advanced computer vision and machine learning help farmers keep track of insect growth and adjust feeding or temperature instantly, reducing waste and costs. AI-powered tools are also being used to predict yields and optimize every part of the farming process, allowing companies to produce more with fewer resources.
Market Segmentation
Insects, Grasshoppers, Bees, and Crickets, Dominate with a major Share
Among all insect types, the crickets, grasshoppers, and Bees segment holds the major share. These insects are favoured due to their high protein content (about 60-70% by dry weight). Crickets, in particular, are widely used for both human food (such as protein powders, snack bars, and flours) and animal feed applications. Black soldier fly and mealworms also show strong demand, especially in the animal nutrition segment.
In terms of Application, Animal Nutrition Leads the Market
The animal nutrition segment is the largest in the global insect protein market. This segment's growth has been driven by the proven nutritional benefits and digestibility of insect proteins, as well as strong regulatory support. For Instance, major European producers such as Innovafeed have built facilities specifically dedicated to supplying animal feed. Innovafeed's Nesle site in France can deliver up to 15,000 tons of insect protein annually, enough to feed the equivalent of 400,000 tons of fish, poultry, and pigs each year. This scale allows animal feed producers to reliably replace traditional proteins such as fishmeal and soy with sustainable insect-based alternatives.
The global insect protein market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Growing Demand for Insect Protein in the Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for the insect protein market, driven by the long-standing acceptance of insects in local diets and strong government support in countries such as South Korea, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Modern farms and new food companies are using advanced technology to produce large amounts of insect protein, making the industry more productive and efficient. For example, Entobel in Vietnam operates the largest insect protein plant in Asia, with a capacity of 10,000 tons per year. In Malaysia, Veolia Bioconversion recently received approval to distribute insect meal and oil across the region. The increasing demand for protein-rich functional foods is further fueling growth, with more innovative products entering the market.
The major companies operating in the global insect protein market include Aspire Food Group, Innovafeed SAS, Protix B.V., and Ynsect (SAS), among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments