The global food landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace. Growing populations, climate change pressures, and sustainability concerns are forcing nations to reconsider their protein sources. Among the most fascinating developments emerging is the rapid embrace of insect-based protein by countries across the world.
This isn’t simply a trendy experiment or novelty food movement. We’re witnessing a calculated shift backed by scientific research, regulatory frameworks, and massive investment dollars. Countries from Europe to Asia are establishing comprehensive guidelines, approving specific insect species for human consumption, and creating entire industries around these tiny protein powerhouses.
The European Union Takes the Lead
Europe has positioned itself as the global pioneer in insect protein regulation and development. France is reportedly among the leading countries in the European insect protein market, while the European Commission has authorized UV-treated powder of whole Tenebrio molitor larvae (yellow mealworm) as a novel food. This represents far more than symbolic approval.
EFSA has published multiple positive safety opinions on insects as Novel Food ingredients, while by the end of 2024, six insect Novel Food ingredients have been authorised. The regulatory machinery is working systematically to evaluate each species for safety and nutritional value.
The global insect protein market is experiencing significant growth, with various projections showing substantial expansion through 2033. Europe’s early regulatory foundation positions it perfectly to capture this explosive growth.
The European Commission authorized the use of processed insect protein in poultry and pig feed in 2021, and in April 2021, EU Member States voted positively on the authorisation of insect-processed animal proteins in poultry and pig feed. These decisions create massive new markets almost overnight.
Asian Nations Embrace Traditional Knowledge
In countries such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam, production and consumption of insect protein have increased in response to population growth, lifestyle patterns in food consumption, and increased urbanization. These nations aren’t starting from zero – they’re scaling existing cultural practices.
Singapore Food Agency approved 16 species of insects for human consumption in July 2024, after announcing in April 2023 that these species would be approved. Singapore’s methodical approach demonstrates how forward-thinking governments can create new food categories.
Industry players have been gearing supply and catering in Singapore to insects grown in China, Thailand and Vietnam, with companies already working with farms in these countries to supply the local market. Cross-border cooperation is accelerating regional development.
Singapore’s guidelines were developed following thorough scientific review, taking reference from countries including the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. Countries are learning from each other’s regulatory experiences to speed implementation.
North America’s Strategic Investment Push
North America is expected to generate the highest demand during the forecast period, with the increasing need for sustainable and alternative protein sources leading to notable increases in insect protein use, driven by growing awareness of environmental effects and strong emphasis on health. The region is approaching this as an economic opportunity.
North America is expected to reach 2.2 USD Billion by 2035, driven by consumer interest in sustainable protein sources. These aren’t small-scale experiments but projected billion-dollar markets.
Real Pet Food became the first Australian pet food manufacturer to secure an exclusive import permit for pure BSF meal, while Ÿnsect obtained the first US authorization from AAFCO for defatted mealworm proteins in dog nutrition. Regulatory approvals are creating new market categories in multiple sectors.
Government funding from bodies supporting Research and Development in the agribusiness sector has gained traction, with the European Commission launching the Horizon 2020 program allocating significant funds to innovations including insect protein. Public investment is backing private innovation.
Environmental Pressures Drive Government Policy
According to the FAO, insects as food emerge as especially relevant due to rising cost of animal protein, food insecurity, environmental pressures, population growth and increasing demand for protein among middle classes, requiring alternative solutions to conventional livestock. The economic and environmental math is compelling governments.
Insects require considerably less land, water, and feed compared to traditional livestock, and emit fewer greenhouse gases. The resource efficiency argument resonates with climate-conscious policymakers.
Insect protein production is environmentally sustainable, utilizing organic waste and requiring less land and water, aligning with heightened focus on sustainability in agriculture. This addresses multiple policy objectives simultaneously.
The European insect sector is committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions which should contribute to reducing dependence on imported proteins and mineral fertilisers and strengthen EU self-sufficiency. Food security concerns are becoming national security concerns.
Massive Market Projections Attract Capital
The Global Insect Protein Market is projected to experience substantial growth through 2035, with various estimates showing strong compound annual growth rates during the forecast period, expanding at 25.7% between 2025 and 2035. These growth projections are attracting serious investment capital.
Some reports forecast that demand for insect protein will surge from 120,000 to 500,000 metric tons by 2030, with over half of current European production already being used in pet food. The scaling potential is becoming clear to investors.
Nasekomo received €8 million capital injection at the beginning of 2024, planning to convert 100,000 metric tons of organic by-products into 25,000 metric tons of high-value insect protein each year. Private capital is flowing to companies with proven scaling models.
In January 2024, the European Investment Bank announced a credit deal with Protix, including up to €37 million in extra funding for international expansion. Even traditional financial institutions are backing the sector.
Nutritional Science Supports Government Approval
The nutritional value of insect protein is significant, with insects providing nutrient-dense profiles including critical amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, with protein content of 35-60% dry weight, higher than plant foods like soybeans and lentils. The nutritional case is scientifically solid.
FAO indicates insects are highly nutritious and healthy food sources with high fat, protein, vitamin, fibre and mineral content, making them alternative protein sources facilitating shifts towards healthy and sustainable diets. International organizations are providing scientific backing.
While mealworms consume similar energy levels as pigs to make a kilo of protein, they produce between 10 and 100 times less greenhouse gases and require far less farmland or water. The efficiency metrics are compelling from both nutritional and environmental perspectives.
Insect protein is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, offering significant nutritional and environmental benefits. The dual benefit of nutrition and sustainability makes approval decisions easier for regulators.
Technology Advances Enable Industrial Scaling
The surge of interest in insect-based products has fueled innovation and expansion from upgraded facilities to targeted artificial intelligence implementation and total digitization projects. Technology is making industrial-scale production feasible.
Technological advancements have improved insect farming methods, increasing production efficiency and scalability, making insect proteins more accessible and widely accepted as viable alternatives. Manufacturing advances are solving the scale challenge.
Ongoing facility upgrades will boost production capacity from approximately 120 to 300 metric tons by June 2025, with Spanish producer Bioflytech aiming to reach 90,000 metric tons after facility expansion. The scaling timeline is accelerating rapidly.
Innovations in insect rearing technology, processing methods, and product combinations are driving market growth, with high-quality insect protein powders, bars, snacks and fortified foods expanding market scope. Product innovation is creating consumer-friendly formats.
Feed Industry Creates Immediate Demand
In 2024, the animal feed segment accounted for the largest share due to increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-rich alternatives to conventional feed sources, with species like black soldier flies and mealworms providing high-quality amino acids for aquaculture, poultry, and pet food. The feed market provides immediate commercial viability.
Animal Feed is valued at USD 0.65 Billion in 2024 and expected to grow to USD 3.5 billion by 2035, with incorporation of insect protein contributing to healthier animal growth and lower ecological footprints. The growth trajectory is creating massive business opportunities.
By the middle of the decade, most demand for insect meal will likely lie in the pet food sector (40-50% of insect meal produced) and aquaculture feed production (25-35%). Market segments are clearly defined with strong growth potential.
Nestlé launched Swiss Purina pet food including protein from black soldier fly larvae, with approval of insects for human consumption meaning increasing consumer awareness will accelerate demand for insect protein in animal feed. Major brands are validating the market opportunity.
Regulatory Frameworks Reduce Investment Risk
Current legislation strikes the right balance between innovation and safety, dividing by 2 the time needed for innovative foods to reach the EU market compared to previous legislation. Streamlined approval processes reduce commercial uncertainty.
EFSA concluded that ‘possible occurrence of microbiological hazards in insect protein sources is expected to be comparable to their occurrence in other non-processed sources of protein of animal origin’, providing basis for authorizing insect proteins in feed. Scientific safety assessments create regulatory confidence.
SFA has published specific Insect Regulatory Framework details, highlighting scientific aspects and emphasizing that only ‘safe’ and well-assessed insect species have been approved, with inspection and surveillance including sampling for food safety testing. Clear regulatory frameworks reduce business risk.
Governments can play crucial roles in supporting standardization of insect-based products by establishing consistent regulations and standards across regions and industries. Standardization creates larger addressable markets.
Cultural Acceptance Is Growing Rapidly
As a telling sign of European consumers’ increased acceptance, end-consumers from France, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Belgium identify insect-enriched foods as positive contributions to their diet, viewing insects as healthy additions and sustainable alternatives. Consumer attitudes are shifting faster than expected.
Many customers, especially young people under 30 years old, are very daring and want to see the whole insect in the dish. Younger demographics are driving adoption.
Both consumers and businesses are becoming more aware of the benefits, contributing to rapid industry growth, with the key to unlocking further growth being the industry’s ability to manage and deliver production volumes at competitive prices. Awareness and economics are aligning favorably.
Local chefs, restaurants and food companies have been experimenting with different ways to safely serve insects in dishes like salted egg crabs with superworms and products like protein bars. Creative applications are reducing the “yuck factor.”
