Insect Snacks Market Trends

Global Insect Snacks Market Overview

Insect Snacks Market Size was valued at USD 142.1 Billion in 2023. The insect snacks industry is projected to grow from USD 165.2 Billion in 2024 to USD 407.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.26% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The rising importance of farming and government initiatives for edible insects are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Insect Snacks Market Trends

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  The rising importance of farming is driving the market growth

  
  

Market CAGR for the insect snacks market is driven because consumers eat more edible insects. Additionally, the food and feed industries are becoming more interested in edible insects because they contain essential minerals and amino acids. In the upcoming years, an increase in demand for edible insects from various food industries is anticipated to fuel market expansion. Although most countries regularly consume edible insects, there are a few where this practice is less common. Due to their high essential minerals and amino acid content, edible insects are used as human and animal food. Wasps, scale insects, ants, crickets, flies, bees, termites, cockroaches, beetles, and grasshoppers are just a few of the many edible insects that can be used as food for poultry. Market demand for edible insects is anticipated to increase in the coming years due to consumers' rising propensity to consume protein-rich foods and the widespread alteration of eating habits. In agricultural farming, edible insects provide vital nutrients to the crops. Another factor that propels the market's expansion during the forecast period is the rising importance of farming and government initiatives for edible insects.

Compared to traditional livestock, insects are known for having a lower impact on the environment. They use less land, water, and feed for equivalent protein. Demand for snacks made from insects has increased as consumers look for alternative protein sources, and environmental awareness has grown. Insects are incredibly nourishing and full of protein, good fats, vitamins, and minerals. They can provide a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources and be a valuable source of essential nutrients. Compared to snacks made from animal products, insect snacks frequently have higher protein contents and a smaller environmental impact, which appeals to consumers concerned about their health.

Many cultures worldwide have long consumed insects, and interest in their culinary practices is growing. As tastes and food preferences expand, people are opening up to trying new and exotic foods, including snacks made of insects. The novelty element and the exploration of various culinary experiences support market expansion. To spread awareness and promote their products, several businesses in the insect snack sector have concentrated on efficient marketing and branding strategies. They have tried to get people to eat insects despite their initial reluctance or "yuck factor" by emphasizing their nutritional benefits, sustainability benefits, and use of creative flavors and packaging. Thus, driving the insect snacks market revenue.

Insect Snacks Market Segment Insights

Insect Snacks Insect Type Insights

Based on insect type, the insect snacks market segmentation includes Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and orthoptera. The coleoptera segment dominated the market; Beetles, or members of the Coleoptera order of insects, are one of the insect species that have drawn interest from manufacturers of insect snacks. Due to their taste, nutritional value, and safety for human consumption, some species of beetles have been identified as suitable for consumption. Mealworms, super worms, and buffalo worms are three examples of larval forms of beetles that feed on insects.

Insect Snacks Packaging Types Insights

Based on packaging types, the insect snacks market segmentation includes cans and pouches. The cans category generated the most income. The boxes provide excellent protection against physical damage, moisture and light while preserving the quality and freshness of your insect food. Boxes generally have a longer shelf life than bags because they create a stronger barrier to air and moisture. Boxes often offer consumers high quality and durability, which can help build trust and attract potential customers.

Figure 1: Insect Snacks Market by Packaging Type, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Insect Snacks End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the insect snacks market segmentation includes food retail and food service. The food service category generated the most income. Insect snacks have found use in the food service sector, providing distinctive and environmentally friendly options for eateries like cafes and restaurants. Insect snacks are used as food ingredients by chefs and other culinary experts. Insects may be used whole or processed as a garnish, a recipe ingredient, or a topping. For instance, roasted crickets can be added to salads or used as a crunchy ingredient in appetizers. Increasing the nutritional value and creating a distinctive flavor profile is possible by incorporating insect powders or flours into batters, sauces, or baked goods.

Insect Snacks End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the insect snacks market segmentation includes food retail and food service. The food service category generated the most income. Insect snacks have found use in the food service sector, providing distinctive and environmentally friendly options for eateries like cafes and restaurants. Insect snacks are used as food ingredients by chefs and other culinary experts. Insects may be used whole or processed as a garnish, a recipe ingredient, or a topping. For instance, roasted crickets can be added to salads or used as a crunchy ingredient in appetizers. Increasing the nutritional value and creating a distinctive flavor profile is possible by incorporating insect powders or flours into batters, sauces, or baked goods.

Insect Snacks Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American insect snacks market will dominate this market due to the rising demand among many people for eco-friendly, high-protein diets. Edible insect sales have performed well domestically in nations like the US, the U.S. and the U.K.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: INSECT SNACKS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe’s insect snacks market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the rise in the consumption of protein-rich foods and the diversification of protein sources in European nations. Due to campaigns to raise awareness and the development of European regulations, the edible insect and insect-based food sector has recently seen increased production and trade. More than two billion people consume insects in their diets worldwide, according to the FAO. Presently, western societies are a niche market for edible insects. However, due to our rapidly changing dietary habits and consumers' growing willingness to try insect-based food, insect farming is a growing industry in Europe. Further, the German insect snacks market held the largest market share, and the UK insect snacks market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Insect Snacks Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032 due to the expansion of insect farming, low transportation and raw material costs, and growing insect farming. The market for edible insects is expected to grow over the forecast period due to several factors, including the rising demand for natural ingredients in various convenience food products. Moreover, China’s insect snacks market held the largest market share, and the Indian insect snacks market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Insect Snacks Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the insect snacks market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the insect snacks industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the insect snacks industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The insect snacks industry has offered some of the most significant advantages in recent years. Major players in the insect snacks market, including Eat Grub (UK), Jimini’s (France), Thailand Unique (Thailand), Entomo Farms (Canada), Chapul Cricket Protein (US), Edible Inc. (Korea), Cricket Flours (US), EXO (US), Six Foods (US), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Eat Grub (UK), Aspire Food Group, a Canadian business renowned for its cutting-edge insect agriculture and food technology, and Lotte Confectionery, a major South Korean snack and ice cream producer, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the fields of protein alternatives and edible insects. With a USD 250 million investment backed by ADM and Cargill, the French company InnovaFeed has expanded the market for edible insects by doubling the size of the production facility for black farm soldier flies in Decatur, Illinois. 18 edible insect businesses have accepted services worth EUR 460,000 (USD 496,600) from the ValuSect group of European insect producers. As the selected businesses develop innovative ideas, knowledgeable partners will offer guidance. This will boost insect production and consumer acceptance in North-West Europe.

Six Foods (US), The tortilla chips (Chirps) that are well-known to Americans are made from crickets that have been ground into flour. Insect foods, from snacks to meat, should become more commonplace. The intention is to replace animal protein with insect protein and switch from raising livestock to raising insects. The use of land, water, and greenhouse gases will all be decreased as a result. Join forces with scholar and youth conferences both domestically and abroad. In our multi-stage Social Venture Challenge, enlist undergraduate students to submit proposals for social ventures. Award Resolution Fellowships to inspiring young leaders with the most promising social venture ideas. Support our Fellows by providing seed money, practical guidance, free resources, and a network of peers who share their interests. Give them access to opportunities through your partner organizations to expand their businesses, careers, and impact.

Key Companies in the insect snacks market include

• Eat Grub (UK)


• Jimini’s (France)


• Thailand Unique (Thailand)


• Entomo Farms (Canada)


• Chapul Cricket Protein (US)


• Edible Inc. (Korea)


• Cricket Flours (US)


• EXO (US)


• Six Foods (US)

Insect Snacks Industry Developments

March 2022: Aspire Food Group, a Canadian company renowned for its cutting-edge insect agriculture and food technology, and Lotte Confectionery, a leading South Korean snack and ice cream manufacturer, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the areas of protein alternatives and edible insects.

January 2022: By doubling the size of the production facility for black farm soldier flies in Decatur, Illinois, the French company InnovaFeed has increased the market for edible insects with a USD 250 million investment backed by ADM and Cargill.

February 2021: The ValuSect group of European insect producers has offered 18 edible insect businesses services worth EUR 460,000 (USD 496,600). The chosen businesses will receive assistance from knowledgeable partners as they develop their creative idea, which will increase insect production and consumer acceptance in North-West Europe.

Insect Snacks Market Segmentation

Insect Snacks Insect Type Outlook

• Coleoptera


• Lepidoptera


• Hymenoptera


• Orthoptera

Insect Snacks Packaging Type Outlook

• Cans


• Pouches

Insect Snacks End-User Outlook

• Food Retail


• Food Service

Insect Snacks Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America