Edible Insects Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Edible Insects Market size is estimated at USD 1.11 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.09 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.40% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Edible insects provide a sustainable protein source with higher feed-conversion efficiency and lower environmental impact than traditional animal proteins. Their nutritional profile helps address global malnutrition and food security issues, while their byproducts have applications in food production, agriculture, and medicine. These insects are traditional food sources in over 100 countries across Asia, Africa, and South America. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs projects global population to exceed 9 billion by 2050, driving increased protein demand. This demographic trend has heightened interest in edible insects as a sustainable food security solution.

Government organizations globally are implementing projects and initiatives to boost investments, research, and industry partnerships in the edible insect market. These organizations prioritize approving insects for human consumption to ensure safety and market acceptance. In January 2025, the European Commission approved UV-treated powder from whole Tenebrio molitor larvae (yellow mealworm) as a novel food ingredient, allowing its use in various food products for general consumption. This novel food approval enables companies to introduce different insect species in the EU market under specific conditions.

Companies are diversifying their edible insect product lines to meet growing demand for sustainable and nutritious food options. These products range from snacks to main course ingredients. In 2024, Singapore-based Insectyumz launched cricket and mealworm products, including cricket bites in Tom Yum and Spicy BBQ flavors, along with mealworm snacks and powder. These snack-focused product introductions are contributing to market growth during the forecast period.

Edible Insects Market Trends

Demand for Edible Beetles Driven by Nutritional and Environmental Benefits

The global edible beetle market continues to expand due to nutritional advantages and sustainable production practices. Edible beetles provide significant protein content, ranging from 16.8% to 71.0%, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. These insects also contain essential micronutrients, including iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing their nutritional value in human diets.

Beetle farming demonstrates environmental efficiency compared to conventional livestock production. The practice requires minimal land, water, and feed resources while generating lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization projects that by 2030, food production must support over 9 billion people and billions of animals raised for food, recreation, and companionship. Traditional intensive livestock farming and overgrazing have contributed to forest degradation and climate change impacts, positioning insect farming as a practical solution to food and feed security challenges.

The market development faces obstacles including cultural resistance, regulatory constraints, and safety concerns. These challenges necessitate consumer education initiatives and the implementation of standardized safety protocols. However, market growth continues, supported by increasing demand for nutritious products, environmental sustainability benefits, and economic advantages of insect-based food production.

Asia Pacific Leads Global Insect Farming and Consumption

In rural China, insect farming provides income opportunities through specialized breeding operations. The industry utilizes two main production methods: full domestication in controlled environments and partial captivity with habitat modification to optimize production. These insects serve multiple purposes, including human consumption, medicine, and animal feed.

Japan maintains a significant insect consumption culture, which gained prominence during World War II as a vital nutrition source. The practice was historically concentrated in mountainous and inland regions with limited access to conventional protein sources. The Oxya yezoensis grasshopper (inago) remains Japan's most consumed insect, typically prepared with soy sauce and sugar and sold in canned form. The country recognizes 123 edible insect species, with Vespula lewisi wasp larvae and pupae being widely consumed.

Thailand holds a substantial market position in the insect-based products industry. The country, which consumes 272 insect species, maintains over 20,000 registered insect farming enterprises, predominantly small-scale household operations. Thai consumers regularly eat silkworm pupae, bamboo worms, locusts, beetles, crickets, and red ants, commonly found in street food markets. Grasshoppers are particularly popular in Phuket due to their firm texture.

Edible Insects Industry Overview

The edible insects market is highly fragmented, with most companies being recent entrants holding small market shares. Key players including Ynsect, HaoCheng Mealworms Inc., Entomo Farms Ltd., Hargol FoodTech, and Essento represent significant portions of the market. Companies primarily compete through product innovation and new product launches. Market participants are investing in research and development while expanding their production capabilities to meet growing demand and maintain market positions.

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