Edible insects market seen tripling by 2035 as demand for sustainable protein rises

The global edible insects market is forecast to expand from $1.18 billion in 2025 to $4.63 billion by 2035, driven by sustainability concerns, regulatory progress and new insect-farming technology. The growth outlook points to broader use in food, feed, supplements and personal care products. Why it matters: - The edible insects market is moving from a niche category into a larger alternative protein business. - Rising pressure to find lower-impact food and feed ingredients is pushing interest in insects as a source of protein, nutrients and functional compounds. - The shift could affect food manufacturers, feed producers, nutrition brands and sustainability-focused investors. What happened: - Market Research Future said the global edible insects market was valued at about USD 1.18 billion in 2025. - The market is projected to reach USD 1.36 billion in 2026 and USD 4.63 billion by 2035. - The forecast implies a 15.2% compound annual growth rate over the period. - The report points to stronger regulatory acceptance, insect-farming technology and consumer awareness as major growth drivers. The details: - Insects are gaining traction as ingredients in food, feed, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. - The industry is benefiting from automated farming systems, controlled-environment production and vertical insect-rearing facilities. - Precision farming techniques are being used to improve consistency and production output. - Cricket-based products remain one of the most commercially developed categories because of their protein content, amino acid profile and mild taste. - Food makers are using crickets in protein powders, baked goods, snack bars and sports nutrition products. - Mealworms are being used in protein powders, snacks and feed products. - Black soldier fly larvae are gaining traction in animal feed because they can convert organic waste into protein. - Grasshoppers and locusts remain important in several regions because of nutrition and cultural familiarity. - Human consumption remains a core market, but animal feed demand is expanding quickly across aquaculture, poultry and pet nutrition. - Food and beverage companies are adding insect-derived ingredients to functional foods, snacks, protein products and health-focused formulations. - Feed manufacturers are expanding insect proteins as alternatives to traditional ingredients. - The pharmaceutical and cosmetics segments are emerging around bioactive compounds and functional ingredients from insects. - North America holds the largest regional share, supported by consumer interest in alternative proteins and retail availability. - Europe is the second-largest market, helped by sustainability initiatives and a developing novel food framework. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, with Thailand and China playing major roles. - Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets as commercial insect farming expands. - The report also highlights several companies active in the space, including Entomo Farms, Protifarm, Kreca, EnviroFlight LLC, Exo Inc., Eat Grub Ltd., Nordic Insect Economy Ltd. and Deli Bugs Ltd. - A sample PDF copy is available here . Between the lines: - The market story is less about novelty and more about supply-chain pressure, climate concerns and the search for scalable protein. - Consumer acceptance still matters, which is why product formats that hide the insect source, such as powders and blended foods, are getting attention. - Regulatory progress will likely determine how fast insect ingredients move from early adopters into mainstream food and feed channels. - Investment is also shifting toward industrial-scale production, suggesting the category is trying to transition from small-batch specialty products to repeatable manufacturing. What’s next: - Market Research Future expects continued growth through 2035 as production technology improves and commercial applications widen. - Further expansion is likely in packaged foods, nutritional products, animal feed and wellness-related uses. - Companies that improve taste, texture, consistency and consumer familiarity are likely to gain share as the category scales. - Partnerships between insect producers, food makers and research institutions are expected to speed commercialization. The bottom line: - Edible insects are emerging as a credible alternative protein category, with the strongest momentum coming from sustainability demands, feed applications and product innovation.