Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Expected to Reach US$ 5,323.30 Mn by 2032 with Sustainable Protein Alternatives Gaining Traction

The global Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market is experiencing a transformational shift as demand for sustainable and high-protein animal nutrition alternatives gains traction. In 2025, the market was valued at approximately US$ 2,140.50 Mn, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% to reach a valuation of US$ 5,323.30 Mn by 2032. This robust growth is fueled by an increasing need for cost-effective and eco-friendly protein sources across livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pet food industries.

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A significant growth driver for this market is the superior nutritional content of edible insects. Insects such as mealworms and black soldier flies offer 50% to 80% protein content, along with amino acids, lauric acid, antimicrobial peptides, and chitin, enhancing animal immunity and digestion. The aquaculture segment holds the dominant market share due to proven benefits of insect protein in enhancing feed conversion ratios in aquatic species. Regionally, Europe leads the global market, buoyed by strong regulatory support, high consumer awareness, and increasing investments in insect farming startups.

Key Highlights from the Report

➤ The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.9% between 2025 and 2032.
➤ Mealworms and Orthoptera account for the highest revenue generation among insect types.
➤ The aquaculture segment dominates with a 47% value share in 2025.
➤ Europe leads the global market, backed by commercialization and policy support.
➤ Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth due to expanding aquaculture and livestock sectors.
➤ Insect-based proteins are significantly more cost-effective than conventional animal feed proteins.

Market Segmentation

The edible insects for animal feed market can be segmented based on insect type, product type, and end-use. Among insect types, mealworms generate the highest revenue owing to their exceptional protein content, followed by Orthoptera. In terms of product types, meal is the most widely used format, followed by insect oil and whole insects, depending on the species and nutritional requirements. The end-use segmentation reveals aquaculture as the leading sector, holding a significant market share. The inclusion of insect meal in fish feed not only improves nutritional value but also enhances feed conversion ratios in species like rainbow trout and giant prawns. Other growing end-use sectors include pet food, poultry, swine, and livestock, each tapping into the functional benefits of insect protein.

Regional Insights

Europe is the front-runner in the edible insects for animal feed market, primarily due to favorable regulatory changes such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approving insect protein in aqua feed. European startups and agri-tech companies are rapidly commercializing insect protein, with approximately 5,000 tonnes already in use. High consumer awareness, government support, and increased investor interest continue to fuel growth in this region.

North America follows closely, with multiple startups leveraging funding and advanced insect farming techniques. Companies like Ynsect have raised over US$ 125 Mn to expand their footprint. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the fastest rate. Countries such as India and China are showing strong demand for insect-based animal feed due to a booming aquaculture and livestock sector. However, regulatory disparities across regions may slightly hinder the seamless expansion of the market.

Market Drivers

The market's growth is driven by increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional animal feed proteins. Insect-based protein offers superior nutritional value at a lower cost than fishmeal or soymeal, which constitute 60% to 70% of feed production expenses. Moreover, insects such as black soldier flies and mealworms are rich in amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, making them highly suitable for animal diets. The rising awareness around the environmental benefits of insect farming-lower water consumption, reduced carbon emissions, and less land usage-further contributes to the widespread adoption of edible insects in animal feed.

Additionally, the aquaculture industry's growing interest in insect-based feed is a major contributor. As fishmeal becomes scarcer and more expensive, insect protein offers an affordable and nutritionally dense alternative, helping improve feed efficiency and growth performance in aquatic species.

Market Restraints

Despite the promising outlook, several challenges restrain the growth of the edible insects for animal feed market. High consumer expectations for product quality, traceability, and safety impose significant operational pressure on producers. Manufacturers must meet stringent regulatory and quality standards to ensure that the feed is safe, nutritious, and free from contaminants. Moreover, differences in regulatory frameworks across regions can complicate international trade and expansion. Concerns about potential allergens and lack of standardized quality parameters also add to the complexity. These issues can slow down large-scale production and commercialization of insect-based animal feed.

Market Opportunities

Amidst these restraints, the market is ripe with opportunities. With ongoing R&D investments and technological advancements in insect farming, companies are now able to breed and process insects more efficiently and at lower costs. The development of species-specific insect feed, tailored for different livestock, poultry, and pet food applications, opens new avenues for product innovation. Growing environmental concerns and regulatory incentives for sustainable agriculture further amplify the scope for edible insect adoption.

Emerging markets, especially in South Asia and Africa, present untapped potential due to increasing meat consumption and demand for high-protein animal feed. Public-private partnerships, government subsidies, and educational campaigns promoting insect farming can enhance market penetration and consumer acceptance.

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✔ Gain access to comprehensive data on market size, forecasts, and growth rates.
✔ Understand emerging trends and key innovations driving market change.
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✔ Make informed investment and expansion decisions based on detailed market insights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

◆ How big is the edible insects for animal feed market currently?
◆ What is the projected growth rate of the edible insects for animal feed market?
◆ Who are the key players in the global market for edible insects for animal feed?
◆ What is the market forecast for edible insects for animal feed by 2032?
◆ Which region is estimated to dominate the industry through the forecast period?

🏢 Company Insights

• AgriProtein Holdings Ltd
• Ynsect SAS
• Protix
• InnovaFeed
• EnviroFlight, LLC
• Entomo Farms
• Beta Hatch
• Nutrition Technologies Group
• Hexafly Biotech
• Entobel
• HiProMine S.A
• Mutatec
• Enterra Feed Corporation
• Entomotech S.L.
• Kreca Ento-Feed BV
• DeliBugs
• Haocheng Mealworms Inc.
• Nusect
• Protenga
• nextProtein

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