Europe Edible Insects Market Overview

The Edible Insects market in Europe is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for alternative protein sources, the high nutritional value of insects, and their environmental benefits. Increasing consumer awareness about sustainable food sources and growing interest in high-protein diets are further contributing to the market’s expansion. Additionally, the edible insects sector is benefiting from increasing investments and favorable regulations that support insect-based food products. However, the high cost of insect production and stringent food regulations pose challenges to market growth. Moreover, low consumer acceptance of entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) remains a significant barrier to market penetration.

 

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Key Players in the Europe Edible Insects Market

The competitive landscape of the Europe edible insects market includes major global and regional players involved in insect farming, processing, and product innovation. Key players in the industry include:

• Ÿnsect (SAS) (France)
• Protix B.V. (Netherlands)
• InnovaFeed SAS (France)
• EnviroFlight, LLC (U.S.)
• Hargol FoodTech (Israel)
• Aspire Food Group (U.S.)
• All Things Bugs LLC (U.S.)
• EntoCube OY (Finland)
• Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd (Thailand)
• JR Unique Foods Ltd (Thailand)
• Cricket Lab Limited (U.K.)
• BIOFLYTECH S.L. (Spain)
• TEBRIO (Spain)
• nextProtein SA (France)
• Hexafly (Ireland)
• Enorm Biofactory A/S (Denmark)
• HiProMine S.A. (Poland)
• SFly Comgraf SAS (France)
• Protenga Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)

 

Rising Demand for Alternative Protein Sources

Europe's growing population and increasing food demand are contributing to the rising interest in alternative protein sources. According to Eurostat, Europe's population is projected to grow from 446.7 million in 2022 to 453.3 million by 2026, which will put additional pressure on the region’s food supply. Traditionally, meat products have been the primary source of protein in European diets, but changing consumer preferences and increasing environmental and health concerns are driving demand for sustainable protein alternatives.

Edible insects have gained attention as a viable alternative to traditional protein sources due to their high nutritional value and low environmental impact. Insects are rich in proteins, vitamins, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. They offer a higher feed conversion efficiency and require significantly less water and land compared to livestock. Moreover, insects produce substantially less greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional meat.

 

Growing Health Awareness and Demand for Protein-rich Diets

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits of protein-rich diets. Studies have shown that high-protein diets can improve blood sugar control in patients with Type 2 diabetes without negatively affecting kidney function. The increasing interest in sports nutrition, dietary supplements, and wellness products is also fueling the demand for high-protein foods, including insect-based products. Edible insects are being used in protein bars, shakes, baked goods, snacks, and other processed foods due to their high protein content and sustainable production.

 

Market Segmentation

1. By Product

The Europe edible insects market is segmented into whole insects, insect powder, insect meal, and insect oil.

• Whole Insects – In 2025, the whole insects segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market due to their lower processing costs and higher protein content. Whole insects are used in various culinary applications and protein-based food products.
• Insect Powder – The insect powder segment is anticipated to register the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period (2025–2032), driven by rising consumer demand for fitness products and high-protein food supplements. The approval of house crickets and larvae for human consumption by the European Union in 2025 is expected to further accelerate the demand for insect powder.
• Insect Meal – Insect meal is increasingly being used as an ingredient in animal feed and aquaculture due to its high protein and nutrient content.
• Insect Oil – Though still a niche segment, insect oil is being explored for its potential in cosmetics and food processing.

 

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2. By Insect Type

The market is categorized based on the type of insect used in food and feed production, including crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies (BSF), buffalo worms, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms, cicadas, and others.

• Crickets – The crickets segment is expected to dominate the market in 2025 due to their high nutritional value, easy farming, and rising demand for cricket-based products such as protein powders and snacks.
• Black Soldier Flies – The BSF segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate due to increased government support and rising venture investments in the European BSF industry. BSF are gaining popularity because they efficiently convert organic waste into protein and are widely used in animal and aquaculture feed.
• Mealworms – Mealworms are gaining traction as a sustainable protein source and are used in human food and pet food products.
• Buffalo Worms and Other Insects – Buffalo worms and other insects such as grasshoppers and ants are also contributing to market growth due to their high protein content and increasing use in health foods and snacks.

3. By Application

The edible insects market is segmented into food and beverages and feed.

• Food and Beverages – This segment is expected to hold the largest market share in 2025, driven by rising demand for high-protein snacks, insect-infused baked goods, and protein bars.
• Feed – Insects are increasingly being used in animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture feed due to their high nutritional content and sustainability benefits. The increasing cost of traditional feed sources is also driving demand for insect-based alternatives.

4. By End Use

The market is divided into human consumption and animal nutrition.

• Human Consumption – The human consumption segment is anticipated to dominate the market in 2025 due to growing consumer awareness about the nutritional benefits of insects. The European Union’s approval of insect-based food products is expected to drive demand in this segment.
• Animal Nutrition – The use of insects in animal feed and aquaculture is growing rapidly due to their high protein content and low environmental footprint.

5. By Country

The Europe edible insects market is segmented into the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the rest of Europe.

• The Netherlands – The Netherlands is expected to hold the largest market share due to the presence of major insect manufacturers and government support for insect-based food products. Wageningen University and Research Centre has played a key role in promoting entomophagy in the country.
• France – France is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increased investment in the edible insect sector and rising consumer demand for insect-based food products.
• Belgium, Denmark, and Germany – These countries are also witnessing increased interest in insect-based food products due to growing environmental concerns and consumer demand for sustainable protein sources.

 

Regulatory Environment and Market Challenges

The regulatory framework for edible insects in Europe remains complex and varies across countries. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established guidelines for the safety and nutritional value of edible insects. The recent approval of house crickets and larvae for human consumption in 2025 is expected to open up new opportunities for the market. However, the high cost of insect production and low consumer acceptance of insects as food remain significant challenges.

The edible insects market in Europe is poised for significant growth due to increasing demand for sustainable and high-protein food sources. Market players are focusing on product innovation, consumer education, and partnerships with food manufacturers to overcome market challenges and expand their product offerings.

 

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