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By Ingredients;
Molasses, Corn, Urea and OthersBy Product Type;
Whole Insects and Insect Protein PowdersBy Usage;
Animal Feed, Pharmaceutical Products, Human Food, Protein, Honey, Silk, Cosmetics, Lac Ornaments and DecorativesBy Form;
Powder and GranulesBy Insect Family;
Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymnoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera and OthersBy Application;
Food & Beverages and Animal FeedBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Insect-based Ingredients Market Overview
Insect-based Ingredients Market (USD Million)
Insect-based Ingredients Market was valued at USD 1,066.34 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 5,081.88 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.0%.
Insect-based Ingredients Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 25.0 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 25.0 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1,066.34 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 5,081.88 Million |
| Market Concentration | Low |
| Report Pages | 301 |
Major Players
- Ynsect
- Protix
- AgriProtein
- EnviroFlight
- Entomo Farms
- Exo Inc
- Enterra Feed Corporation
- Protifarm
- Thailand Unique
- ENTOTRUST
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Insect-based Ingredients Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The insect-based ingredients market is experiencing strong momentum as demand for eco-friendly protein alternatives rises. Insects provide a high-protein solution with minimal environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals. Currently, more than 40% of environmentally conscious consumers are willing to explore insect-derived products, indicating a growing shift in dietary preferences.
Nutrient-Rich Composition Enhancing Market Appeal
Rich in amino acids, essential minerals, and vitamins, insect-based ingredients are gaining traction across various applications such as food, feed, and personal care. About 35% of innovation in the alternative protein segment now includes insect ingredients, thanks to their nutritional density and formulation flexibility, making them highly attractive to health-oriented consumers and manufacturers.
Technology Advancements Driving Efficiency
Recent innovations in insect farming and processing technologies are significantly improving production capabilities. Around 30% of sector investments are focused on automation and biotech solutions, allowing for cost-effective and scalable production. These developments are making insect ingredients more accessible for mainstream commercial applications.
Supportive Regulations and Consumer Confidence
Enhanced regulatory frameworks and consumer education efforts are playing a key role in market expansion. Approximately 38% of producers in functional food and animal feed are now utilizing insect ingredients in compliance with updated safety standards. These advancements are strengthening consumer trust and accelerating the shift toward sustainable nutrition solutions.
Insect-based Ingredients Market Recent Developments
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In October 2023, Tyson Foods took a minority stake in Dutch insect-ingredient leader Protix and launched a U.S.-based joint venture to build a sustainable insect ingredient facility.
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In late 2023, Aspire Food Group acquired Exo Inc., bringing cricket-based protein bars into its portfolio and reinforcing its position in the growing insect protein market.
Insect-based Ingredients Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Ingredients, Product Type, Usage, Form, Insect Family, Applications, and Geography.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Ingredients
The Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Ingredients into Molasses, Corn, Urea, and Other.
Molasses
Molasses plays a crucial role in the insect-based ingredients market, contributing about 25% of the total ingredient share. Known for its rich sugar content, molasses supports healthy insect growth and development. Its cost-effectiveness and easy accessibility make it a highly favored ingredient among manufacturers.
Corn
Corn dominates approximately 30% of the insect-based ingredients segment, serving as a primary energy source through its high carbohydrate levels. Its consistent quality and processing ease ensure it remains a key ingredient in insect feed formulations globally.
Urea
Urea holds a significant position, contributing around 15% to the insect ingredients market. With its high nitrogen content, urea aids in protein synthesis, which is essential for increasing insect biomass. This makes it an important nutrient balancing component despite a smaller market share.
Other
The ‘Other’ category, accounting for nearly 30%, includes ingredients like soy, wheat bran, and specialized feed additives. These components enrich the nutritional value of insect feeds and promote overall insect health. This segment highlights the innovation and regional customization in the insect feed industry.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Product Type
The Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Product Type into Whole Insects, and Insect Protein Powders.
Whole Insects
Whole insects contribute around 45% to the insect-based ingredients market under the product type category. Their natural composition, rich in fats and proteins, makes them highly suitable for use in aquaculture, pet food, and poultry feed. With minimal processing needed, whole insects are considered a sustainable and economical protein source for various sectors.
Insect Protein Powders
Insect protein powders dominate approximately 55% of this segment, driven by their superior protein content and broad applications in animal feed and
functional foods. These powders offer extended shelf life, ease of transport, and enhanced digestibility. Their growing demand highlights the industry's shift toward refined and versatile protein solutions.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Usage
The Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Usage into Animal Feed, Pharmaceutical Products, Human Food, Protein, Honey, Silk, Cosmetics, Lac Ornaments, and Decoratives.
Animal Feed
Animal feed dominates the insect-based ingredients market with a share of approximately 35%. Rich in proteins and lipids, insect-based feed is being adopted widely for aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries due to its sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Pharmaceutical Products
Contributing about 10%, pharmaceutical applications benefit from insect-derived compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing characteristics. These are used in both conventional and alternative medicine, showing promise in bio-based drug development.
Human Food
With a market share of around 15%, human food applications of insect-based ingredients are on the rise. Products such as protein bars, insect flour, and snack powders are gaining traction for being nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly.
Protein
Insect-sourced protein accounts for nearly 12% of this market. Known for its superior amino acid content and easy absorption, insect protein is increasingly being used in sports nutrition, functional food, and feed products.
Honey
Honey-related usage comprises about 8%, with bees playing a dual role in honey production and pollination services. Organic and medicinal-grade honey derived from insects remains a valuable commodity in many regions.
Silk
Silk contributes close to 6% of the insect-based ingredients market. Produced by silkworms, it is prized for its luxurious texture, natural origin, and applications in fashion, sutures, and tissue engineering.
Cosmetics
Accounting for roughly 5%, cosmetics utilize insect-derived substances like chitosan, recognized for their moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-repairing qualities. These ingredients cater to the growing demand for natural cosmetic formulations.
Lac Ornaments
Lac ornamentation represents about 5% of the segment. Derived from lac insects, it is popular in traditional craftsmanship, particularly in South Asian jewelry and decorative arts, owing to its eco-friendly nature.
Decoratives
Decorative uses make up around 4%, with insect-based artifacts and motifs featured in art, home décor, and collectibles. Their aesthetic value and sustainability appeal to niche markets and designers alike.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Form
Insect-based Ingredients Market, has been segmented by Form into Powder, and Granules.
Powder
Powder form leads the insect-based ingredients market with a dominant share of approximately 68%. Its fine particle size and high solubility make it suitable for diverse applications such as pet food, aquafeed, protein powders, and nutraceutical blends. Powdered insect ingredients are also favored for their ease of integration into formulations.
Granules
Granules make up nearly 32% of the market share, gaining popularity for their stability, slow-release properties, and ease of storage and transportation. They are especially useful in agricultural enhancers, feed additives, and specialty food formulations, where precision and durability are essential.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Insect Family
The Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Insect Family into Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymnoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Others.
Coleoptera
Coleoptera insects, particularly beetles, lead the market with a share of nearly 32%. Their high lipid and protein content makes them valuable in the production of animal feed, biopolymers, and organic fertilizers, driving their demand in agriculture and sustainability-focused industries.
Lepidoptera
Representing approximately 18% of the segment, Lepidoptera like moths and butterflies are integral to silk production, especially through silkworm cultivation. Their applications are also expanding in biomedical fields, textiles, and natural cosmetics.
Hymenoptera
With about 20% market share, Hymenoptera insects—such as bees and ants—are widely utilized for their production of honey, beeswax, and propolis. These bioactive products are essential in nutraceuticals, skincare, and organic medicine.
Orthoptera
Orthoptera accounts for close to 15% of the market, with crickets and grasshoppers being the most common. Known for their digestible proteins and low environmental impact, they are gaining popularity in protein-rich snacks, energy bars, and functional foods.
Hemiptera
Making up around 8%, Hemiptera species are key sources of natural resins like lac, used in traditional crafts, shellac coatings, and edible glazes. Their role in the food and decorative industries continues to grow.
Others
The remaining 7% includes diverse insect types used in experimental studies, organic soil enhancers, and biodegradable materials. Innovation in these areas is expected to boost demand for lesser-known insect families.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Application
Insect-based Ingredients Market, has been segmented by Applications into Food & Beverages, and Animal Feed.
Food & Beverages
The food & beverages segment makes up around 55% of the insect-based ingredients market. With growing demand for eco-friendly protein sources, insects are being incorporated into products such as energy bars, baked goods, and smoothie blends. Their high nutritional value, paired with minimal environmental impact, supports their inclusion in mainstream and health-focused diets.
Animal Feed
Comprising about 45% of the market, animal feed remains a key application area for insect-based ingredients. Their rich protein content, essential nutrients, and low carbon footprint make them ideal for pet food, aquaculture, and livestock diets. This shift is supported by sustainability goals and regulatory approvals across regions.
Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Insect-based Ingredients Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America represents around 28% of the insect-based ingredients market, driven by increasing interest in sustainable diets and alternative protein sources. The U.S. and Canada are leading in R&D investment, regulatory developments, and consumer acceptance in both food and feed applications.
Europe
Europe leads the market with nearly 35% share, owing to favorable policy frameworks, rising consumer demand for eco-friendly nutrition, and robust industry infrastructure. Countries like France and the Netherlands are pioneering in insect farming innovations and commercial product development.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific holds a significant 22% share, supported by a deep-rooted culture of entomophagy and a surge in insect-based applications in pet food, livestock, and aquaculture. Government initiatives and startups are accelerating regional growth.
Middle East and Africa
Accounting for approximately 8%, the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets for insect ingredients. Their focus on cost-effective protein solutions and increasing attention to agricultural sustainability are propelling adoption of insect-based feed and food.
Latin America
Latin America captures around 7% of the global market. Traditional knowledge, combined with modern startup ecosystems, especially in Mexico and Brazil, is boosting the use of insect-derived proteins in food innovation, functional ingredients, and feed supplements.
Insect-based Ingredients Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Insect-based Ingredients Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces—Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities—affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Rising demand for sustainable protein sources
- Increased adoption in pet food industry
- Growing need for animal feed efficiency
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Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives - Insects can be raised on organic waste, food byproducts, and agro-industrial residues, transforming low-value inputs into high-protein feed, oils, and fertilizers. This closed-loop model aligns with global efforts to minimize agricultural waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Several governments and international agencies are pushing for zero-waste policies and sustainable farming, encouraging the adoption of insect farming technologies. Insect bioconversion enables waste valorization while reducing environmental burdens from traditional protein sources. This is making insect-based production models increasingly attractive to agribusinesses, retailers, and environmental stakeholders.
By promoting a circular economy, insect farming supports sustainable resource management, nutrient recycling, and soil health improvement. This drives demand for insect ingredients across industries such as livestock feed, aquaculture, pet food, and organic fertilizer. Insect-based enterprises are also being integrated into urban farming, smart agriculture, and eco-industrial parks.
As sustainability becomes a key procurement criterion, companies adopting insect-based inputs can improve their ESG scores, consumer perception, and regulatory compliance. The sector benefits from strong alignment with SDG goals, carbon offset projects, and environmental reporting standards, further enhancing its market potential.
Restraints
- Regulatory challenges in food applications
- Consumer resistance to insect-based products
- High production and processing costs
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Limited scalability of insect farming systems - A major challenge for the insect-based ingredients industry. Most insect production today remains fragmented, small-scale, and manually operated, leading to inconsistent output, high labor costs, and poor supply chain standardization. Scaling up operations requires investment in automation, biosafety, and logistics infrastructure.
Despite growing interest, industrial-scale insect rearing still faces barriers including temperature sensitivity, pest control, and disease management. Many farms lack the technical capacity to meet commercial-grade safety standards and traceability. Additionally, lack of access to specialized machinery and skilled personnel makes expansion difficult.
High startup costs, fragmented regulations, and limited availability of high-yield insect strains further constrain growth. Investors often view the sector as high-risk due to market volatility, underdeveloped processing chains, and uncertain ROI. Until economies of scale are achieved, large-scale adoption in mainstream food and feed sectors may remain limited.
These limitations, the industry must invest in modular production technologies, AI-based monitoring, and collaborative distribution networks. Partnerships with agri-tech firms, food processors, and logistics providers will be critical for scaling insect farming to a level that meets global demand sustainably.
Opportunities
- Expansion in cosmetic and nutraceutical sectors
- Emerging demand in sports nutrition markets
- Innovation in insect-derived oil and fiber
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Government support for sustainable agriculture - A key growth opportunity for the insect-based ingredients market. Many countries are introducing policies that promote climate-resilient, low-emission food systems. Insect-based solutions align perfectly with these agendas, as they offer high efficiency, low water use, and reduced land impact.
Government initiatives include funding for insect research, startup grants, pilot programs, and training platforms that target alternative protein production. Favorable legislation in the EU, Asia, and Latin America is accelerating regulatory approvals for insect-based feed and food products. This trend is boosting investor confidence and catalyzing new product launches and market entry.
Through tax incentives and innovation hubs, policy makers are integrating insect-based technologies into national food security and sustainability roadmaps. Public procurement strategies now include sustainable feed additives, fertilizer inputs, and food-grade proteins derived from insects. These actions provide stability for producers to scale their operations.
As governments prioritize circular systems and emission reductions, insect ingredients are positioned as critical tools in meeting climate goals, nutrition security, and resource efficiency. This creates long-term demand and opens doors for cross-border collaborations, public-private ventures, and institutional partnerships in the insect economy.
Insect-based Ingredients Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Insect-based Ingredients Market include
- Ynsect
- Protix
- AgriProtein
- EnviroFlight
- Entomo Farms
- Exo Inc
- Enterra Feed Corporation
- Protifarm
- Thailand Unique
- ENTOTRUST
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Market Share Analysis
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Ingredients
- Market Snapshot, By Product Type
- Market Snapshot, By Usage
- Market Snapshot, By Form
- Market Snapshot, By Insect Family
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Insect-based Ingredients Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Rising demand for sustainable protein sources
- Increased adoption in pet food industry
- Growing need for animal feed efficiency
- Circular economy and waste reduction initiatives
- Restraints
- Regulatory challenges in food applications
- Consumer resistance to insect-based products
- High production and processing costs
- Limited scalability of insect farming systems
- Expansion in cosmetic and nutraceutical sectors
- Emerging demand in sports nutrition markets
- Innovation in insect-derived oil and fiber
- Government support for sustainable agriculture
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Ingredients, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Molasses
- Corn
- Urea
- Others
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Whole Insects
- Insect Protein Powders
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Usage, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Animal Feed
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Human Food
- Protein
- Honey
- Silk
- Cosmetics
- Lac Ornaments
- Decoratives
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Powder
- Granules
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Insect Family, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Coleoptera
- Lepidoptera
- Hymnoptera
- Orthoptera
- Hemiptera
- Others
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Food & Beverages
- Animal Feed
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Insect-based Ingredients Market, By Ingredients, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Ynsect
- Protix
- AgriProtein
- EnviroFlight
- Entomo Farms
- Exo Inc
- Enterra Feed Corporation
- Protifarm
- Thailand Unique
- ENTOTRUST
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market