Edible Insects Market Report 2026

The edible insects market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $3 billion in 2025 to $3.75 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to traditional insect consumption in select regions, increasing global protein demand, early adoption in animal nutrition, research on insect farming methods, sustainability-driven food innovation.

The edible insects market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.16 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for sustainable protein alternatives, rising investments in insect farming infrastructure, expansion of regulatory approvals for human consumption, increasing use in functional foods, higher consumer awareness of environmental benefits. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing acceptance of alternative protein sources, expansion of insect-based protein powders, growing use of edible insects in animal feed, rising focus on sustainable food systems, product innovation in insect-based food formats.

The growing demand for protein-rich food is expected to propel the growth of the edible insects market going forward. Protein-rich foods are those that contain a high proportion of protein relative to their total calorie content and include sources such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood. Consumption of protein-rich foods is increasing due to rising health awareness, changing dietary preferences, and growing interest in fitness, muscle building, and balanced nutrition. Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable and nutrient-dense alternative protein source, offering high-quality protein along with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, while requiring significantly fewer natural resources than conventional livestock. For instance, in July 2024, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Food and Agriculture, a France-based intergovernmental organization, global per capita protein intake is projected to rise to 79.8 grams per day by 2033. Protein intake in North America is also expected to increase by 1.5%, or 1.9 grams per person per day, reaching approximately 123 grams per person per day by 2033. Therefore, the growing demand for protein-rich foods is driving the growth of the edible insects market.

Major companies operating in the edible insects market are focusing on developing innovative products such as molitor mealworm-based pet food to improve sustainability and nutritional value. Molitor mealworm-based pet food uses mealworms as a primary ingredient, leveraging their high protein content, digestibility, and low environmental footprint. For example, in May 2023, Ÿnsect, a France-based insect-based food product company, launched Sprÿng, a sustainable brand targeting the pet food market. Sprÿng offers high-quality ingredients derived from Molitor mealworms that are suitable for integration into both dry and wet pet food formulations. These ingredients feature a neutral taste, light brown color, and odorless properties, making them attractive to pet food manufacturers seeking environmentally responsible protein alternatives.

In October 2023, Tyson Foods Inc., a US-based food company, partnered with Protix B.V. to expand the production of insect-derived proteins and lipids for use in pet food, aquaculture, and livestock feed. Through this partnership, Tyson Foods and Protix aim to scale sustainable protein solutions by upcycling food byproducts and establishing a large-scale insect ingredient production facility in the United States. Protix B.V. is a Netherlands-based insect ingredient company specializing in insect-derived proteins and lipids for animal nutrition.

Major companies operating in the edible insects market are Ÿnsect (SAS), Aspire Food Group, Entomo Farms Ltd, Thailand Unique Inc, Eat Grub Ltd, Bugsolutely Inc, Crik Nutrition, Deli Bugs Ltd, Nutribug Inc, Kreca Ento-Food BV, Jimini’s, Chapul LLC, Exo Protein, Hargol FoodTech, Small Giants, Sens Foods, All Things Bugs LLC, Micronutris (Next Food), Cricket One, Nordic Insect Economy Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the edible insects market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the edible insects market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the edible insects market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The edible insects market consists of sales of mealworm chips, whole insects, insect powder, and insect-based supplements. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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