Global Edible Insects market size was USD 3.18 billion in 2023 and the market is projected to touch USD 11.48 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 17.4 % during the forecast period. Edible insects consist of several types like beetles, caterpillars, ants and grasshoppers that people consume for their nutritional advantage they are rich in protein and other essential vitamins. These insects can be prepared in many forms such as whole, powdered or used as part of different food products. There has been an increased awareness on the benefits of consuming these insects which include high levels of protein and less negative impact on the environment than rearing cows or pigs for meat production purposes.
Several factors support the expansion of the edible insect market. Insects are a viable alternative source of protein because of rising populations and anxieties about hunger in the world that have been noted as main drivers. In addition, edible insects gain favour among many people since they need lower resources and emit less greenhouse gas than traditional livestock production systems, driving demand for them in efforts aimed at sustainable development and environmental protection. Yet still there are difficulties including how much people understand them culturally and regulatory barriers. However, it is possible to see more edible insects on sale in larger amounts through innovations mainly in handling insects on farms and processing technologies.
Global Edible Insects report scope and segmentation.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Years |
2024 – 2032 |
Estimated Market Value (2023) |
USD 3.18 Billion |
Projected Market Value (2032) |
USD 11.48 Billion |
Segments Covered |
By Product, By Application, By End-use, & By Region. |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million or Billion) |
Quantitative Units |
Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2024 to 2032. |
Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. |
Countries Covered |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others. |
Global Edible Insects dynamics
The world’s edible insects’ market is increasing because of rising demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources in the world. As global population increases and environmental concerns over traditional livestock farming escalate, edible insects offer a viable solution. For instance, they are rich in nutrients by providing good quality protein, vitamins and minerals and need much less land, water and feed than conventional livestock. They also emit less green-house gases hence harnessing it as an environment friendly choice. Moreover, the transition to more sustainable food production systems and the search for creative solutions to food insecurity are also contributing to its growth.
Growth of the market is hampered by challenges. The major aspect that is hindering much of this growth is cultural resistance to consuming insects since insect-based diets are not familiar in most societies. However, this kind of cultural hesitation will lower probabilities for acceptance and expansion of the market. In addition, further impediments include regulatory issues faced and the need for common food safety measures. Another problem is that in some areas insect farming and consumption regulations are still evolving thus hinder its entry into such markets.
Global Edible Insects drivers
Rising Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources
With the world’s population expanding and the prevalent agricultural approaches being unsustainable, alternative sources of protein are on high demand. The potential for edible insects as a promising alternative is gaining momentum on this front due to their high protein content and lower environmental footprint. Unlike conventional livestock, insects need less land, water, feed and emit fewer greenhouse gases in their production. As more people find out about the ecological advantages associated with these types of animals, demand for edible insects is likely to increase influencing market growth positively.
Food Security Concerns
The world’s food security is being threatened by the increase in global population. This means traditional sources of protein such as beef, pork, and chicken may not be enough to satisfy future needs because of limited resources and high environmental costs involved with their production. On this note, edible insects provide one way out of the dilemma. They convert feeds into proteins at a rate that is highly efficient thus making them a cheaper option that also uses less resources regarding producing food. With the growing concerns over food security, edible insects are increasingly perceived as pragmatic and sustainable means of guaranteeing stable supplies for mankind in tomorrow’s world.
Cultural Barriers and Consumer Acceptance
Cultural resistance to the consumption of insects is among the big obstacles that affect the market for edible insects. Many Western societies do not consume insects as part of their diet, thus making it hard for them psychologically to have them on their plates. As a result, this culture-related tendency can impede market expansion but also make it harder for edible-insect goods to catch on among people. In order to overcome these challenges, efforts must be made towards educating consumers and developing marketing tactics aimed at changing perceptions and enhancing acceptance of edible insects as an alternative source of food.
Regulatory and Safety Concerns
The market for edible insects is met with obstacles related to regulation and food safety. The regulation of insect farming and use in various areas still lacks the necessary guidelines. This situation translates into uncertainty where producers and consumers do not know what to expect from one another. It is important that one have proper regulations and standards that would ensure the safety and quality of food so that the industry can continue growing. There are needs for clear regulatory frameworks as well as stringent safety measures in order to gain confidence from consumers leading towards growth in this market.
Innovation in Insect-Based Food Products
The insect-based food products have a lot of potential for innovation. In addition, they are getting into snacks, protein powders and other food items with the aid of edible insects that are found in different environments. Hence these are appealing to health-conscious consumers because they can be searching high protein contents as well as sustainable choices of foods. For any new and interesting products based on insects, there is always a room for maps companies to make money out of such products through establishing specialized lifelines so that consumers can be intrigued. Since there is increasing availability of insects-based goods, this repeatedly provides opportunities for further market growth and more diversification.
By Product, the global edible insects’ market is segmented into grasshoppers, bees, wasps, ants, scale insects, beetles, caterpillars, and tree bugs. Every sort of bug possesses different nutritional values and usages. Grasshoppers are recognized for being rich in proteins thus they are frequently utilized in a variety of food items. Even with their rarity, bees and wasps are acknowledged for their peculiar taste and possible medical advantages. Ants and scaly insects are utilized in traditional recipes as well as providing several textures and tastes. Their high protein and fat content make beetles popular both in whole and processed forms such as mealworms or darkling beetles. Caterpillars represent another major group, which is consumed widely within some regions like Africa or Latin America because of its rich diet quality. Certain tree bugs found on trees are rare but still desired by many due to their distinct cooking features.
By Application, the edible insect’s market is also segmented by application into protein bars, flour, and snacks. Traditional protein sources are being replaced with insect protein to make them as a part of the protein bars. Mostly this kind of bars are meant for people wants to eat/provide themselves nutritious snacks rich in protein which are easy to carry. Insect flour which is a product of ground insects has gained popularity in baking and the production of other foods due to its high nutritional value and multipurpose use. It can be used in preparing a variety of food items such as bread or pasta, thus serving as a protein-rich ingredient that favours environmental conservation. Besides, these edible bugs serve as snacks that can be consumed either whole or in processed forms. This application utilizes the distinct textures and flavours found among various species of insects in order to develop some unique forms of snack.
Global Edible Insects Overview by Region
The growth is being experienced in the global edible insects’ market, arising from culling practices, laws and consumers’ acceptance across different regions. For instance, country in Asia like Thailand, China and Japan where edible insects have long been considered as a culinary delicacy has an established market because they are largely consumed. On the other hand, in African countries like Nigeria Kenya and South Africa likewise have strong tradition of consuming insects hence the rising demand for both local consumption as well as exportation. In Europe even being well developed hence low participation in this industry it has attracted some interest among concerns about sustainability and health. Nevertheless, acceptance by consumers remains a major challenge while regulations are still evolving. Innovative product development and outreach activities aimed at familiarising the local populations with insect foods greatly determine how fast such markets grow in these areas. Countries like Mexico where there is a tradition of eating bugs sees promising prospects for further growth within Latin America.
Global Edible Insects market competitive landscape
Companies including Exo and Aspire Food Group are key players in the development of innovative insect-based protein products such as protein bars and snacks. In Europe, for example, Edible Insects Ltd. and Critters have increased their product ranges by offering a variety of foods that contain insects. In contrast, among the leading players in Asia are firms like Thailive and Bugsolutely, tapping into local knowledge to produce and sell edible insects on both national and global markets. This competition is driven by factors such as product innovation, education of customers on consumption items with insects as an ingredient and adherence to statutory regulations. Companies are working towards ensuring high quality products, expanding their products’ offering, as well as forming partnerships for wider reach in the markets. Technology advancements in insect farming and processing techniques that are essential for scaling up operations and lowering costs also play a role in influencing competition within this industry. There is an expectation from these companies that they will adopt unique approaches that are cantered on sustainability issues regarding products diversity and marketing strategies targeting consumers.
Global Edible Insects Recent Developments
Scope of global Edible Insects report
Global Edible Insects report segmentation
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