North America Insect Protein Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Insect Protein Market Size

• The North America insect protein market size was valued at USD 59.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 340.97 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 24.40% during the forecast period
• The market growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainable protein sources, rising demand for eco-friendly food alternatives, and advancements in insect farming technologies
• Growing environmental concerns, coupled with the need for high-protein diets and the integration of insect-based ingredients in various applications, are accelerating the adoption of insect protein, significantly boosting industry growth

Insect Protein Market Analysis

• Insect protein, derived from edible insects, is emerging as a sustainable and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional protein sources, finding applications in food and beverage, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to its high protein content, low environmental footprint, and scalability
• The surge in demand for insect protein is fueled by increasing consumer acceptance of alternative proteins, supportive regulatory frameworks, and growing investments in insect-based food production
• The U.S. dominated the North America insect protein market with the largest revenue share of 37.8% in 2024, driven by a strong focus on sustainability, widespread adoption in food and feed industries, and the presence of leading market players. The U.S. market is further propelled by innovative startups and research into novel insect-based products tailored to consumer preferences
• Canada is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the insect protein market during the forecast period, attributed to rising consumer interest in sustainable diets, favourable government initiatives, and increasing urbanization
• The Coleoptera segment, encompassing beetles, dominated the largest market revenue share of 58.5% in 2024, driven by the diverse and abundant beetle species, particularly mealworms, which offer high protein content and are widely used in animal feed and food products

Report Scope and Insect Protein Market Segmentation       

Insect Protein Market Trends

“Increasing Integration of Advanced Processing Technologies and Product Innovation”

• The North America insect protein market is experiencing a notable trend toward the integration of advanced processing technologies and innovative product development
• Technologies such as automated farming systems, AI-driven quality control, and optimized protein extraction methods are enhancing the efficiency and scalability of insect protein production
• These advancements enable the creation of diverse products such as insect-based protein powders, bars, snacks, and flours, appealing to health-conscious consumers and expanding market reach
  • For instance, companies are leveraging AI to monitor insect growth conditions, ensuring consistent quality and nutritional content, while IoT technologies optimize farming operations for higher yields
• This trend is making insect protein more appealing by improving product consistency, taste, and texture, thus attracting both individual consumers and industries such as food and beverage, feed, and pharmaceuticals
• Advanced analytics are also used to tailor products to consumer preferences, such as developing cricket-based protein bars with enhanced flavors or mealworm powders for pet food applications

Insect Protein Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources and Eco-Friendly Food Solutions”

• Increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and the demand for alternative protein sources are major drivers for the North America insect protein market
• Insect protein offers a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock, requiring significantly less land, water, and feed while producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions
• Government initiatives and consumer trends in the U.S., the dominating country, and Canada, the fastest-growing market, are promoting sustainable food systems, further boosting the adoption of insect-based products
• The proliferation of health-conscious diets, such as keto and paleo, is driving demand for nutrient-rich insect protein products, which offer high protein content (40%-70%) and essential amino acids
• Companies such as Aspire Food Group and EntomoFarms are expanding production capacities in Canada and the U.S. to meet growing demand for insect-based foods, feed, and cosmetics, supported by advancements in 5G and IoT for efficient supply chain management

Restraint/Challenge

“High Production Costs and Consumer Acceptance Barriers”

• The high initial investment required for insect farming infrastructure, processing equipment, and regulatory compliance poses a significant barrier, particularly for smaller companies in the North America insect protein market
• Scaling up production and developing cost-effective processing methods remain complex and costly, especially in emerging markets within the region
• Consumer acceptance, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, is hindered by cultural aversions to entomophagy (insect consumption) and limited awareness of its nutritional and environmental benefits
• Data from a 2018 study by PureGym indicates that while 35% of gym members are open to trying edible insects, broader consumer hesitancy persists, particularly in Western markets where entomophagy is less familiar
• Regulatory challenges, such as varying standards for insect-based products across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and concerns about allergen risks (chitin-related sensitivities), further complicate market growth

Insect Protein market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, insect type, application, and distribution channels.

• By Source

On the basis of source, the North America insect protein market is segmented into Coleoptera and Orthoptera. The Coleoptera segment, encompassing beetles, dominated the largest market revenue share of 58.5% in 2024, driven by the diverse and abundant beetle species, particularly mealworms, which offer high protein content and are widely used in animal feed and food products. Their resilience and adaptability to large-scale cultivation further bolster their dominance.

The Orthoptera segment, including crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate of 26.8% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is fueled by the high protein content of Orthoptera species (up to 77% in grasshoppers) and their increasing use in food products such as protein bars and snacks, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Advancements in cricket farming and processing technologies also drive this segment's rapid expansion.

• By Insect Type

On the basis of insect type, the North America insect protein market is segmented into Beetles, Caterpillars, Bees, Wasps and Ants, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Crickets, True Bugs, Black Soldier Flies, Cicadas, Leafhoppers, Plant Hoppers, Scale Insects, Termites, Dragonflies, Flies, Mealworms, and Others. The Beetles segment is expected to dominate with a market revenue share of 42.5% in 2024, owing to their high nutritional profile and widespread use in animal feed, particularly mealworms, which are cost-effective and sustainable.

The Crickets segment is projected to experience the fastest growth rate of 28.4% from 2025 to 2032, driven by their high protein content (up to 69%), ease of farming, and growing consumer acceptance in food products such as cricket flour and protein bars. Increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-rich alternatives in the U.S. and Canada further accelerates this segment's growth.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the North America insect protein market is segmented into Food and Beverage, Feed, and Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. The Feed segment holds the largest market revenue share of 48.5% in 2024, driven by the rising demand for sustainable animal feed in aquaculture, poultry, and pet food industries. Insect protein, with 40–70% protein content and high digestibility, is increasingly favored for its eco-friendly profile.

The Food and Beverage segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate of 27.5% from 2025 to 2032, propelled by growing consumer interest in sustainable and nutritious food options. Innovations in processing have led to products such as insect protein powders, bars, and snacks, gaining traction among health-conscious consumers in the U.S. and Canada.

• By Distribution Channels

On the basis of distribution channel, the North America insect protein market is segmented into Direct and Indirect channels. The Indirect segment, including retailers and distributors, is expected to hold the largest market revenue share of 62.5% in 2024, driven by its extensive reach through supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms, catering to both commercial and consumer markets.

The Direct segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 25.9% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing partnerships between insect protein producers and end-users, such as food manufacturers and feed companies. Direct sales enable better control over branding and supply chains, particularly in Canada, where demand for sustainable proteins is surging.

Insect Protein Market Regional Analysis

• The U.S. dominated the North America insect protein market with the largest revenue share of 37.8% in 2024, driven by a strong focus on sustainability, widespread adoption in food and feed industries, and the presence of leading market players. The U.S. market is further propelled by innovative startups and research into novel insect-based products tailored to consumer preferences
• Canada is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the insect protein market during the forecast period, attributed to rising consumer interest in sustainable diets, favorable government initiatives, and increasing urbanization

U.S. Insect Protein Market Insight

The U.S. dominated the North America insect protein market with the largest revenue share of 76% in 2024, driven by strong consumer awareness of sustainability and nutritional benefits. The demand for insect-based products, such as cricket flour and mealworm-based snacks, is growing in both food and beverage and animal feed sectors. The aftermarket segment thrives due to consumer interest in eco-friendly diets and health-focused products, while OEM adoption by pet food and aquaculture industries boosts market growth. Regulatory support for insect protein in feed applications and increasing investments in production facilities, such as Innovafeed’s collaboration with ADM, further fuel expansion.

Canada Insect Protein Market Insight

Canada is the fastest-growing country in the North America insect protein market, driven by rising consumer interest in sustainable protein sources and government support for eco-friendly agricultural practices. The demand for insect protein in food and beverage applications, such as protein bars and snacks, is increasing, particularly among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The feed sector, including aquaculture and poultry, is also a significant growth driver, with companies such as Enterra Feed Corporation leading innovations. Canada’s focus on reducing carbon footprints and advancements in insect farming technologies contribute to its rapid market growth.

Insect Protein Market Share

The insect protein industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• AgriProtein (South Africa)
•  Enterra Feed Corporation (Canada)
•  Aspire Food Group (Canada)
•  Beta Hatch (U.S.)
•  BIOFLYTECH (Spain)
•  Chapul Cricket Protein (U.S.)
•  Entobel (Vietnam)
•  Entocycle (U.K.)
•  Entomo Farms (France)
•  North America Bugs (Thailand)
•  Haocheng Mealworms Inc. (China)
•  Hexafly (Ireland)
•  Innovafeed (France)
• JSC „INSECTUM“(Norway)
• nextProtein (France)

What are the Recent Developments in North America Insect Protein Market?

• In October 2023, Tyson Foods announced a strategic partnership with Protix, a Dutch pioneer in insect-based ingredients, to advance sustainable protein production. The collaboration includes a joint venture to build the first large-scale insect ingredient facility in the U.S., where black soldier flies will be cultivated using food manufacturing byproducts. These insects will be processed into high-quality proteins and lipids for use in pet food, aquaculture, and livestock feed, creating a circular, low-impact protein source. Tyson also acquired a minority stake in Protix, supporting its global expansion and reinforcing its commitment to innovative, eco-friendly food systems
• In March 2023, Aspire Food Group received funding from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) to advance its cricket protein production facility in London, Ontario—the world’s first fully automated insect-protein manufacturing site. The facility integrates artificial intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors, and automated storage and retrieval systems to optimize the breeding, processing, and packaging of crickets into sustainable protein ingredients. With a projected annual output of nine million kilograms, the initiative aims to revolutionize food-grade protein production, supporting both pet nutrition and human consumption while addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability
• In February 2023, EntomoFarms, North America’s largest edible insect farm, partnered with Crickstart, a Canadian food manufacturer, to launch a new line of cricket protein-based bars. These bars are designed for health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable, high-protein alternatives. The collaboration leverages EntomoFarms’ expertise in cricket powder production and Crickstart’s experience in crafting nutrient-dense snacks, expanding their footprint in the North American functional food market. This move aligns with growing consumer interest in eco-friendly protein sources that support both personal wellness and environmental sustainability
• In January 2023, Ÿnsect became the first company authorized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to commercialize defatted mealworm proteins (Protein70) for dog food in the United States. This landmark approval followed a two-year evaluation and a six-month feeding trial, confirming the ingredient’s nutritional benefits, including high protein digestibility, essential amino acids, unsaturated fats, and micronutrients. The move opens the door for Ÿnsect’s pet food brand Sprÿng in the U.S. market and supports the shift toward sustainable, low-impact protein sources in pet nutrition
• In December 2022, Neo Bites, a sustainable pet food startup based in Austin, Texas, launched the first line of functional dog food toppers made with insect protein in North America. These toppers, formulated with the company’s proprietary Super-Insect Blend (featuring cricket protein), are designed to support specific canine health needs—digestive health, skin and coat care, and daily vitality. Each formula includes whole-food superfoods such as turmeric, pumpkin, flaxseed, and kale, and is hypoallergenic and nutrient-dense. The launch reflects Neo Bites’ mission to improve pet wellness while reducing the environmental impact of traditional meat-based pet foods

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