Organic Edible Insects Market Share, Growth, Trend & Regional Analysis 2033

The global market for edible insects is experiencing significant expansion, propelled by the rising demand for sustainable and protein-rich food alternatives. Insects, including crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and black army fly larvae, are increasingly favoured for their elevated protein content, minimal environmental impact, and effective feed-to-protein conversion ratio. Increasing awareness of climate change and the unsustainable characteristics of traditional animal farming prompts consumers and industry to consider insect-based diets. Moreover, insects are being incorporated into snack bars, protein powders, pet food, and livestock feed, broadening their applicability across various sectors.

Moreover, the market is bolstered by favourable regulations and investments from entities such as the FAO and the EU, which have acknowledged insects as a legitimate food source. Cultural views and regulatory hurdles persist in constraining progress in certain countries. Technological innovations in automated insect farming and processing, along with heightened research and development in product creation, are anticipated to enhance scalability and customer acceptance in the forthcoming years.

Market Dynamics
Sustainability and protein security drive market growth

The primary catalyst for the edible insects industry is the pressing global demand for sustainable protein sources. The global population is projected to attain 9.7 billion by 2050 (UN, 2024), rendering current meat and dairy production systems unsustainable due to their excessive use of land, water, and greenhouse gas emissions. Insects necessitate up to 12 times less feed than cattle, emit 100 times fewer greenhouse gases, and can be cultivated on organic waste, supporting circular economy models. The FAO’s 2024 assessment indicates that scaling insect farming might diminish agricultural CO2 emissions by 300 million tonnes annually.

Moreover, insects are abundant in protein (up to 70% by dry weight), vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This renders them exceptionally effective for combating malnutrition and protein insufficiency in underdeveloped nations. Countries such as Thailand, Kenya, and Mexico have developed established cultures of insect farming. In 2025, heightened interest is observed from nations such as the U.S., Netherlands, and Germany, attributed to public-private collaborations and government-supported food innovation hubs.

Incorporation into livestock feed and pet nutrition creates tremendous opportunities

An expeditiously expanding opportunity exists to incorporate insect proteins into the animal feed and pet food sectors. Insects are appropriate for human consumption and serve as superior feed sources for poultry, fish, swine, and pets owing to their amino acid composition and digestibility. By 2025, numerous aquaculture farms in Asia and Europe will utilise black soldier fly larvae to nourish tilapia and salmon, thereby substantially decreasing feed expenses and environmental repercussions. Significant initiatives encompass Protix’s collaboration with Skretting and Nutreco, resulting in the commercialisation of insect-based aquafeed in Norway and the Netherlands.

In the pet food sector, manufacturers such as Jiminy’s (USA) and Mars Petcare have introduced cricket-based dog food lines, receiving positive customer comments regarding their hypoallergenic properties and sustainability. Amid escalating demands to diminish the carbon footprint of livestock and aquaculture, along with the expanding luxury pet food market, insect protein presents scalable, environmentally sustainable, and nutritionally sufficient alternatives. This sector will be a significant catalyst for edible insect demand by 2033.

Regional Analysis

Europe presently commands the global edible insects market, possessing more than 38% of the market share in 2025, attributable to heightened consumer awareness, favourable policies, and a developed food innovation ecosystem. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has sanctioned certain insect species, such as crickets, yellow mealworms, and black soldier fly larvae, for human and animal consumption under Novel Food Regulations. As per IPIFF, about 35 European firms engage in the commercial production of insects, with France, the Netherlands, and Belgium at the forefront of production capacity. Firms like Protix, Ÿnsect, and Entomo Farms are augmenting their operations through collaborations within the food, feed, and pet food industries. Europe exhibits a greater acceptance of insect-based meals than several Western areas, particularly among younger customers.

Key Highlights

• 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).

· By Product Type , the market is segmented into whole insects, insect powder, insect oil, protein bars & snacks, and insect-based processed foods. Insect powder holds the largest share in the edible insects market due to its versatility, nutritional density, and ease of integration into various food and beverage products.

· By Insect Type, the market is segmented into crickets, black soldier fly (BSF), mealworms, grasshoppers, silkworms, and others. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) dominates the insect type segment due to its wide application in animal feed and organic waste bioconversion.

· By Application, the market is segmented into human food, animal feed, fertilisers, and pharmaceutical& cosmetics. The Animal Feed segment is the largest application segment in the edible insects market, particularly driven by the rise of insect-based aquafeed, poultry feed, and pet food.

• Based on region, the global edible insects market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Europe dominates the global market.

Competitive Players