While the thought of eating insects might make you squirm, the numbers behind this industry are anything but small, rocketing from a $1 billion market today to a projected $8 billion by 2031 as it reshapes the future of food and feed.
Key Takeaways
- The global insect protein market was valued at USD 1.04 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.11 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 25.8% from 2023 to 2031.
- Insect protein market in Europe is expected to grow from USD 241.4 million in 2023 to USD 1.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 28.5%.
- Asia-Pacific insect protein market size was USD 152.3 million in 2022 and anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 29.2% from 2023 to 2030.
- Worldwide insect protein production reached 50,000 metric tons in 2023.
- Black soldier fly larvae production in Europe exceeded 15,000 tons in 2022.
- United States has over 50 commercial insect farming facilities operational as of 2023.
- Insect protein contains 50-70% protein by dry weight, higher than beef at 20-25%.
- Crickets provide 60% protein and 20% healthy fats including omega-3 and omega-6.
- Mealworms offer 53g protein per 100g dry weight, plus vitamin B12 at 5.4µg/100g.
- Insects producing 1kg protein emit 10g GHGs vs. beef 5,000g.
- Insect farming uses 75% less water than cattle per kg protein.
- Land use for crickets is 1/12th that of chicken for same protein output.
- 45% of EU consumers willing to try insect protein products in 2023 surveys.
- FDA approved crickets as GRAS for human food in 2023.
- EU Novel Food Regulation authorized dried Tenebrio molitor larvae in 2021.
The insect protein industry is poised for explosive global growth as demand rises.
Consumer Trends and Regulations
- 45% of EU consumers willing to try insect protein products in 2023 surveys.
- FDA approved crickets as GRAS for human food in 2023.
- EU Novel Food Regulation authorized dried Tenebrio molitor larvae in 2021.
- 62% US millennials interested in insect-based snacks per 2022 poll.
- Singapore approved 16 insect species for food use in 2022.
- Thailand's insect food market consumer acceptance at 78% in urban areas.
- 35% growth in insect protein product launches in supermarkets 2022-2023.
- EFSA safety assessment completed for 7 insect species by 2023.
- 52% of pet owners open to insect-based pet food in 2023 survey.
- Canada's health authority lists crickets as safe novel food in 2022.
- 28% CAGR in consumer-facing insect protein sales 2020-2023.
- Australia approved black soldier fly for human consumption in 2023.
- 67% French consumers reject insects due to disgust factor in 2022 study.
- Over 500 insect-containing products on EU market by 2023.
- US sales of insect protein bars reached USD 12 million in 2022.
- Labeling requirements for insect proteins standardized in EU Reg 2023/915.
- 41% Gen Z willing to pay premium for sustainable insect snacks.
- South Korea mandates allergen labeling for insect products since 2021.
- Insect pet food market consumer trials up 150% since 2020.
- 75% of surveyed Dutch consumers accept insects in processed foods.
- FDA GRAS notices filed for 10 insect species by Q3 2023.
- Global online sales of edible insects grew 55% YoY in 2022.
- Brazil approved 4 insect species for feed in 2023 regulations.
- 55% awareness of insect protein among UK consumers in 2023.
- Mandatory hygiene standards for insect farms in EU Reg (EU) 2017/893.
Consumer Trends and Regulations Interpretation
It seems the world is cautiously but collectively deciding that the prospect of munching on crickets is now slightly less horrifying than the undeniable reality of our planet's environmental crisis.
Environmental Impact
- Insects producing 1kg protein emit 10g GHGs vs. beef 5,000g.
- Insect farming uses 75% less water than cattle per kg protein.
- Land use for crickets is 1/12th that of chicken for same protein output.
- Black soldier fly farms recycle 90% of organic waste, reducing landfill methane.
- GHG emissions from mealworm production: 4.9 kg CO2eq/kg vs. pork 12.1 kg.
- Insects require 50% less feed protein input than poultry.
- Cricket farming eutrophication potential 80% lower than beef.
- Insect rearing energy use is 10x lower per kg protein than soy.
- Black soldier flies convert waste to protein with 1:2 feed conversion ratio.
- Global scaling of insect protein could cut feed emissions by 20%.
- Mealworm farms produce zero agricultural runoff pollution.
- Insects use 99% less land than cattle for equivalent protein.
- Waste-fed insect farming diverts 1 ton waste per 200kg protein.
- Acidification from cricket production: 0.2 kg SO2eq/kg vs. chicken 1.3 kg.
- Insect protein LCA shows 90% lower blue water footprint than pork.
- Scaling insects could save 2 million hectares of soy cropland.
- Black soldier fly reduces ammonia emissions by 70% in waste processing.
- Insect farms biodiversity impact near zero vs. livestock grazing.
- Feed conversion ratio for house crickets is 1.7:1 vs. beef 25:1.
- Insect production avoids 95% deforestation linked to soy feed.
- Water use for 1kg cricket protein: 2.5 liters vs. beef 15,000 liters.
- Organic waste reduction via insects: 60-80% mass loss in 10 days.
- GHG savings potential: 1kg insect protein replaces 10kg soy.
- No antibiotics needed in insect farming, reducing resistance spread.
- Cricket farming cumulative energy demand 25 MJ/kg vs. pork 80 MJ/kg.
- Insect biorefinery captures 100% nutrients from waste streams.
- 1 billion tons food waste could produce 200 million tons insect protein yearly.
- Ozone depletion from insects negligible vs. livestock's 0.01-0.1%.
Environmental Impact Interpretation
Given the overwhelming data, it's clear that raising insects for protein is like discovering the universe's cheat code for sustainable food, leaving traditional livestock panting in a cloud of their own emissions and resource excess.
Market Size and Growth
- The global insect protein market was valued at USD 1.04 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 8.11 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 25.8% from 2023 to 2031.
- Insect protein market in Europe is expected to grow from USD 241.4 million in 2023 to USD 1.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 28.5%.
- Asia-Pacific insect protein market size was USD 152.3 million in 2022 and anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 29.2% from 2023 to 2030.
- North America insect protein market revenue stood at USD 94.5 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.1% from 2023 to 2030.
- The black soldier fly segment accounted for 38.2% of the insect protein market revenue in 2022.
- Cricket protein segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 27.5% in the insect protein market during 2023-2030.
- Animal nutrition application dominated the insect protein market with 68.4% share in 2022.
- Pet food segment in insect protein market is expected to grow at CAGR of 28.9% from 2023 to 2031.
- Global insect farming market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2032 at CAGR 20.6%.
- Mealworm segment held 25.7% revenue share in insect protein market in 2022.
- Food and beverages application in insect protein market generated USD 152 million in 2022.
- Powder form accounted for 62.3% of insect protein market by product type in 2023.
- Insect protein market in aquaculture feed to grow at CAGR 26.4% through 2030.
- U.S. insect protein market size was USD 68.2 million in 2022, projected to hit USD 512.6 million by 2030 at CAGR 28.7%.
- France led European insect protein market with 22.1% share in 2022.
- Global edible insects market valued at USD 1.78 billion in 2023, expected to reach USD 8.44 billion by 2030 at CAGR 24.8%.
- Latin America insect protein market to grow at CAGR 30.2% from 2023-2031.
- Silkworm protein segment projected to grow at CAGR 26.8% in Asia-Pacific.
- Insect protein for human consumption market size reached USD 0.45 billion in 2022.
- Middle East & Africa insect protein market expected to register CAGR 29.5% during forecast period.
- Whole insects segment held 18.4% market share in food & beverages application in 2023.
- Global insect protein ingredients market valued at USD 552.4 million in 2020, projected to USD 2,590.7 million by 2026.
- Thailand's insect protein market grew by 15% YoY in 2022.
- Insect-based protein snacks market to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2028.
- Europe accounted for 31.2% of global insect protein market in 2023.
- China insect protein production capacity reached 10,000 tons annually in 2023.
- Global black soldier fly larvae market size USD 378 million in 2023.
- Insect protein in sports nutrition segment CAGR 31.2% projected to 2030.
- Netherlands exported 1,200 tons of insect protein products in 2022.
- Global market for insect-derived fats expected to grow at 27.9% CAGR.
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
Forget "Eat, Pray, Love," the new mantra is "Eat Bugs, Grow Profits," as a squeamish global market is projected to become an $8.11 billion protein powerhouse by 2031, largely because our pets, livestock, and the planet's conscience have better palates than we do.
Nutritional and Health Benefits
- Insect protein contains 50-70% protein by dry weight, higher than beef at 20-25%.
- Crickets provide 60% protein and 20% healthy fats including omega-3 and omega-6.
- Mealworms offer 53g protein per 100g dry weight, plus vitamin B12 at 5.4µg/100g.
- Black soldier fly larvae have 42% protein and 35% lauric acid for antimicrobial benefits.
- Insects are rich in iron, with crickets providing 9mg/100g vs. beef 2.6mg/100g.
- Silkworm pupae contain 75% protein and high levels of amino acids like leucine at 7.5g/100g.
- Edible insects provide complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids.
- Grasshoppers have 20mg calcium per 100g, supporting bone health.
- Insect flour boosts protein intake by 2x in fortified bakery products.
- Black soldier fly chitin supports gut health as prebiotic fiber.
- Crickets contain 3x more vitamin B12 than chicken eggs per gram.
- Mealworm oil has oleic acid levels comparable to olive oil at 45%.
- Insects provide zinc at 15-20mg/100g, aiding immune function.
- Locusts offer 14g fiber per 100g, promoting digestive health.
- Acheta domesticus (house cricket) PDCAAS score of 0.92, near whey protein's 1.0.
- Insect proteins reduce postprandial blood glucose better than soy.
- Buffalo worm larvae have 40% polyunsaturated fats beneficial for heart health.
- Edible insects supply 10-15% DV of magnesium per 100g serving.
- Termites provide riboflavin (B2) at 9.1mg/100g, 700% DV.
- Insect consumption linked to lower cholesterol in animal studies.
- Palm weevil larvae contain 64g protein/100g with high digestibility 85%.
- Crickets have antioxidant capacity 10x higher than blueberries per gram.
- Black soldier fly protein hydrolysates show antihypertensive effects.
- Insects provide more sustainable omega-3 source via ALA conversion.
- Mealworms offer 5x more copper than beef per 100g.
- Insect peptides exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.
- Superworms contain 47% protein and 5% fiber for satiety.
- Edible insects have lower purine content than meat, better for gout.
- Cricket flour increases muscle protein synthesis similar to whey.
- Black soldier fly lipids rich in medium-chain fatty acids for energy.
Nutritional and Health Benefits Interpretation
While your steak may be flexing its meager 25% protein content, the insect kingdom is quietly hosting an elite nutritional buffet packed with more protein, better fats, and a dizzying array of vitamins and minerals than any barnyard could ever hope to muster.
Production and Supply
- Worldwide insect protein production reached 50,000 metric tons in 2023.
- Black soldier fly larvae production in Europe exceeded 15,000 tons in 2022.
- United States has over 50 commercial insect farming facilities operational as of 2023.
- Global cricket farming output was approximately 12,000 tons in 2022.
- Mealworm production capacity in the Netherlands stands at 8,000 tons per year.
- Asia produces 70% of the world's farmed insects for food and feed.
- South Korea's insect farming industry produces 4,500 tons annually of edible insects.
- Number of insect farming companies worldwide increased to 1,200 by end of 2023.
- Vertical farming systems for insects account for 45% of new facilities in 2023.
- Global supply of black soldier fly protein reached 25,000 tons in 2023.
- France's Protifarm produces 1,000 tons of mealworms yearly.
- Insect biomass conversion efficiency from feed is 50% higher than traditional livestock.
- Thailand has over 20,000 small-scale insect farms producing crickets.
- Global investment in insect protein startups reached USD 1.5 billion cumulatively by 2023.
- Average yield of black soldier fly larvae per square meter is 200 kg/year.
- China's insect feed production hit 30,000 tons in 2022.
- Modular insect rearing systems adoption grew 35% in 2023.
- Belgium's insect protein production capacity is 9,000 tons annually.
- Cricket powder production worldwide totals 5,000 tons per year as of 2023.
- Insect farming labor efficiency is 10 times higher per kg protein than beef.
- U.S. Aspire Food Group plans 9,000 tons cricket production by 2024.
- Europe-wide insect production facilities number over 200 in 2023.
- Waste stream utilization in insect farming reaches 80% in advanced facilities.
- Global supply chain for insect protein imports grew 40% YoY in 2022.
- Mealworm drying technology efficiency improved to 95% recovery rate.
- Insect protein extraction yield from larvae is 60-70% protein content.
- Number of patents filed for insect rearing tech reached 500 in 2023.
- Canada's insect protein output expected to double to 2,000 tons by 2025.
- Automated harvesting systems in insect farms increased output by 25%.
- Global cricket flour supply chain spans 15 countries with 50 suppliers.
- Insect protein market production costs dropped 20% from 2021-2023.
- Black soldier fly farms in Africa produce 5,000 tons for local feed.
Production and Supply Interpretation
While these numbers are still small-fry compared to conventional agriculture, the insect protein industry is no longer just a niche idea—it's a rapidly industrializing, hyper-efficient, and globally connected sector that has quite literally gotten its legs.
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