Global Insect-based Ingredients Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The Global Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Ingredients, Usage, Insect Family and Geography, protein-rich alternatives to traditional ingredients increases across multiple industries, including food, feed, and cosmetics. The market is segmented by ingredients, usage, insect family, and geography. Insect-based ingredients are predominantly derived from insects such as black soldier flies, mealworms, and crickets, with protein, fats, and amino acids being the most sought-after components. These ingredients are increasingly incorporated into animal feed (particularly for aquaculture, poultry, and swine) as they offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly source of nutrition compared to traditional protein sources like soy or fishmeal. Additionally, insect-based proteins are gaining attention in the human food sector as alternative protein sources in snacks, meat analogs, and nutritional supplements.

In terms of usage, the primary applications of insect-based ingredients are in animal feed, human food, and pet food. The animal feed sector is the largest consumer of insect-based ingredients, with companies increasingly turning to insect proteins as a solution to growing concerns about feed sustainability. Insects are used in feed formulations for poultry, swine, and aquaculture, where they provide high-quality, digestible proteins and fatty acids. The human food sector is also seeing a rise in demand for insect-based ingredients, particularly as consumers seek plant-based or alternative protein sources. Insects such as crickets and mealworms are being incorporated into protein bars, snacks, and flour blends. The pet food industry has also embraced insect-based ingredients as a nutritious and hypoallergenic option for animal diets, providing an alternative to common allergens like beef or chicken.

Geographically, Europe and North America are at the forefront of the insect-based ingredients market, driven by strong regulatory support, growing consumer awareness of sustainability, and advancements in insect farming technologies. The European Union has been a key player in promoting the use of insects in feed and food, with regulations evolving to allow insects to be used in human consumption. North America, especially the United States, is also witnessing significant growth in the insect-based ingredients market, fueled by the expanding demand for alternative protein sources in both human food and animal feed. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a key growth market, particularly in countries with a large aquaculture industry such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. As the global appetite for sustainable ingredients continues to rise, the insect-based ingredients market is poised for significant growth across all regions.

Global Insect-based Ingredients Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Ingredients, Usage, Insect Family and Geography.

Global Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Ingredients

The Global Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Ingredients into Molasses, Corn, Urea, and Other.

The global insect-based ingredients market is segmented by ingredients into molasses, corn, urea, and other. Molasses is a significant ingredient in insect-based feeds, particularly for species like the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which can thrive on nutrient-rich organic substrates. Molasses, as a by-product of sugar production, provides a rich source of carbohydrates that support the rapid growth and development of insects. Its use in insect farming is increasing due to its low cost and availability, making it an efficient and sustainable ingredient for insect-based feed formulations. This segment is expected to grow as the demand for sustainable protein sources and efficient feed production methods rises globally.

Corn, another key ingredient in the insect-based ingredients market, is widely used as a feedstock for raising insect species, particularly mealworms and crickets. Corn provides essential carbohydrates and energy, which are critical for insect growth and reproduction. The high energy content of corn helps improve feed conversion rates and the overall yield of insect protein. As corn is readily available and commonly used in animal feed, it plays a vital role in scaling up insect farming operations to meet the growing global demand for alternative protein sources. Additionally, the trend toward using more locally sourced and cost-effective ingredients for insect farming contributes to the increasing use of corn in the market.

Urea, a nitrogen-based compound, is also used as an ingredient in insect farming, especially in the production of protein-rich insect species. Urea is typically used to supplement the nitrogen content in insect feed, particularly for species that require a high protein intake. Urea-based formulations help promote the growth of insects, providing them with the necessary amino acids and improving their overall nutritional value. The use of other ingredients, such as agricultural by-products, food waste, and organic waste, is also growing in the insect-based ingredients market. These alternative ingredients help reduce costs and environmental impact while supporting the circular economy. By utilizing organic waste streams, insect farming contributes to sustainable waste management and creates value-added ingredients for animal feed and human food products. As the insect-based ingredients market continues to expand, these diverse ingredients will play a crucial role in ensuring the scalability and sustainability of insect farming operations.

Global Insect-based Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Insect-based Ingredients Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Insect-based Ingredients Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global insect-based ingredients market is seeing strong growth across various regions, with Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific holding the largest market shares. Europe is a leading region, driven by progressive regulations and a strong focus on sustainability. The European Union has supported the use of insects in both animal feed and human food, with regulations that have facilitated the integration of insect-based ingredients into mainstream markets. Countries like the Netherlands, France, and Belgium are at the forefront of insect farming technologies and have developed robust infrastructures for insect-based ingredient production. As consumer demand for sustainable products increases, Europe’s focus on a circular economy makes it a key player in the global insect-based ingredients market.

North America is another significant market for insect-based ingredients, with the United States leading the way. In this region, the adoption of insect-based feed ingredients in aquaculture, poultry, and swine industries is gaining traction due to rising awareness of the environmental benefits of insect farming. The growing interest in alternative proteins for human food also contributes to the market’s growth, as insect-based products like protein bars, snack foods, and meat analogs gain popularity. Regulatory support, particularly in the U.S., where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is gradually approving insect-based products, helps bolster the market, making North America a strong competitor in the global landscape.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for insect-based ingredients, driven by large-scale aquaculture and livestock industries in countries like China, India, and Vietnam. As these countries increasingly seek sustainable, cost-effective feed alternatives, insect-based ingredients are becoming a valuable protein source. The region’s burgeoning consumer base and rising demand for alternative proteins in both animal feed and human food applications contribute significantly to market growth. Furthermore, countries in Asia-Pacific are embracing insect farming as part of their agricultural innovation strategies, positioning the region for continued growth in the insect-based ingredients market. The increasing acceptance of insect-based products for pet food and poultry nutrition further solidifies Asia-Pacific’s growing market share.