The global edible insects market size was valued at USD 1.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1.95 billion in 2025 to USD 5.91 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

What Is Fueling Growth in the Edible Insects Market?

Several key factors underpin the accelerating demand for edible insects globally. Foremost is the urgent global need for sustainable protein alternatives. Traditional livestock farming faces mounting pressure from environmental concerns, including high greenhouse gas emissions, extensive land and water use, and unsustainable feed requirements. Edible insects provide a compelling solution, requiring significantly less feed, water, and land compared to cattle or poultry, while emitting far fewer greenhouse gases. Insects such as crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and black soldier fly larvae offer highly efficient feed-to-protein conversion ratios and can be farmed using organic waste streams, supporting circular economy principles.

Moreover, edible insects boast an impressive nutritional profile, containing up to 70% protein by dry weight, as well as valuable micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. This nutritional richness makes them attractive for addressing malnutrition and protein deficiency, especially in developing countries. The market also benefits from increasing consumer awareness about climate change, sustainability, and health, as well as growing acceptance of alternative proteins in Western markets traditionally hesitant about insect consumption.

Emerging Trends and Market Segmentation

A notable trend in the industry is the shift from niche novelty products to mainstream food and beverage innovations incorporating insect protein. Food technology companies are developing palatable insect-based products—ranging from protein bars, chips, and pasta to energy drinks and baked goods—that mask the insect origin to appeal to consumers, especially in Europe and North America. This approach helps overcome cultural barriers and psychological resistance.

The insect powder segment holds the largest market share within edible insect products, favored for its versatility and ease of incorporation into various formulations. Cricket and mealworm powders, for instance, are widely used in snacks, smoothies, bakery products, and pasta, offering a discreet protein boost without the whole-insect visual.

In terms of insect types, the black soldier fly (BSF) larvae segment dominates applications in animal feed due to its efficiency in bioconversion of organic waste into protein-rich biomass. BSF larvae are increasingly used in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food, driven by their nutritional benefits and sustainability profile.

Regional Market Insights

Geographically, Europe currently leads the edible insects market, holding more than 38% market share as of 2025. This leadership stems from strong consumer awareness, supportive regulations such as the European Food Safety Authority’s novel food approvals, and a mature ecosystem of insect farming companies. The region also benefits from active investments and collaborations across the food, feed, and pet food sectors.

North America is the fastest-growing market with a projected CAGR of approximately 17.8% from 2025 to 2033, propelled by increasing consumer interest in sustainable protein alternatives and favorable regulatory progress, including FDA considerations for insect-based products.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific represents a significant share, about 24% in 2025, driven by long-standing cultural acceptance of insect consumption in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and China. This region is witnessing modernization of insect farming and increased government support programs aimed at professionalizing production and developing export opportunities.

Challenges and Market Restraints

Despite promising growth, the edible insects market faces challenges, primarily linked to cultural perceptions, regulatory frameworks, and consumer acceptance, especially in Western and Middle Eastern countries. Insect consumption is still met with disgust and safety concerns by many consumers, and regulatory approvals and labeling laws vary significantly across regions, slowing product commercialization.

Safety concerns include allergenicity risks and the need for stringent quality controls in farming and processing. Retailers are often hesitant to stock insect-based products due to uncertain consumer demand, limiting market penetration.

Future Opportunities and Industry Outlook

The edible insects market holds vast potential beyond human food products. A rapidly expanding opportunity lies in the integration of insect proteins into animal feed and pet food markets, which are witnessing strong demand for sustainable, high-quality alternatives to fishmeal and soy. Aquaculture farms in Asia and Europe are adopting insect larvae as feed for species like tilapia and salmon, reducing both costs and carbon footprints. Additionally, premium pet food brands are launching insect-based dog and cat food lines, highlighting hypoallergenic and environmental benefits.

Technological advancements in automated farming, processing, and novel product development are expected to enhance scalability and consumer acceptance. Moreover, governments and international organizations continue to drive supportive policies and investments recognizing insects as viable and sustainable protein sources.

In conclusion, the global edible insects market is at an inflection point, transitioning from niche novelty to mainstream dietary and agricultural adoption due to compelling sustainability, nutritional, and economic advantages. With ongoing innovations, regulatory progress, and shifting consumer attitudes, insect-derived proteins are poised to become an integral part of the future global food system.