THE RISE OF THE INSECT PROTEIN MARKET IN EUROPE SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION FOR A CHANGING WORLD CAGR OF 28.9% DURING THE FORECAST PERIOD 2024 TO 2031

The Rise of the Insect Protein Market in Europe Sustainable Nutrition for a Changing World CAGR of 28.9% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031

The Rise of the Insect Protein Market in Europe Sustainable Nutrition for a Changing World CAGR of 28.9% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031

Blog Article

With the twin challenges of climate change and food security growing more urgent, Europe is turning to an unconventional yet promising solution: insect protein. Once viewed with skepticism, insect-based foods are now becoming a serious contender in the race to develop sustainable, nutrient-dense protein sources.


As consumer attitudes shift and innovation accelerates, the Europe insect protein market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by environmental concerns, policy support, and demand for alternative proteins.



What Is Insect Protein?


Insect protein is derived from farmed insects like black soldier flies, mealworms, crickets, and locusts, which are rich in high-quality protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. They can be used in:





  • Human food (protein bars, flours, meat alternatives)




  • Animal and aquaculture feed




  • Pet food




  • Fertilizers and bioplastics (from insect by-products)




With a low environmental footprint, insects are efficient at converting feed into protein, use less land and water, and emit far fewer greenhouse gases than traditional livestock.


Source-https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/europe-insect-protein-market



Europe Insect Protein Market Overview


The Europe insect protein market was valued at USD 120 million in 2023, and is projected to reach over USD 850 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of more than 30%. This explosive growth is being propelled by consumer acceptance, investment in insect farming startups, and favorable EU regulations.


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Key Market Drivers


1. Sustainability and Environmental Impact


Insect farming uses up to 90% less land and water and produces significantly fewer CO₂ emissions than cattle, poultry, or fish farming. This makes it a natural fit for the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy and the broader European Green Deal.



2. Growing Demand for Alternative Proteins


The market for alternative proteins—plant-based, cell-based, and insect-derived—is booming. Insect protein offers a nutritional profile comparable to meat and fish, making it attractive to flexitarians, athletes, and environmentally conscious consumers.



3. EU Regulatory Support


The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved several insect species for human consumption, and more approvals are expected. France, the Netherlands, and Belgium are leading the way in public acceptance and regulation.



4. Expansion in Animal Feed Sector


Insects are a sustainable feed solution for poultry, pigs, and aquaculture. The EU lifted the ban on insect protein in poultry and pig feed in 2021, unlocking a major new market for insect protein producers.



Key Industry Segments




  • By Application: Animal feed, aquafeed, pet food, human food, agriculture & fertilizer




  • By Insect Type: Black soldier fly, mealworm, cricket, grasshopper




  • By Product: Whole insect, protein powder, oil, meal




Leading Players in Europe


Notable companies driving innovation in the European insect protein space include:





  • Ÿnsect (France) – Mealworm-based protein for food and feed




  • Protix (Netherlands) – Black soldier fly-based feed solutions




  • InnovaFeed (France) – Insect-based ingredients for aquaculture and agriculture




  • Entomo Farms (EU supplier of cricket protein for food products)




Challenges to Overcome




  • Consumer perception and cultural barriers to insect consumption




  • High production costs compared to conventional proteins




  • Regulatory delays for new species and applications




  • Scaling up insect farming while maintaining quality and biosecurity




Opportunities on the Horizon




  • Expansion into functional and fortified foods (e.g., high-protein snacks, baked goods)




  • B2B ingredient supply to food tech, feed, and pet food manufacturers




  • Circular economy innovations, using food waste as insect feed




  • Insect oil for cosmetics, lubricants, and biofuels




Conclusion: Tiny Insects, Massive Potential


The Europe insect protein market is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a rapidly maturing sector with the potential to revolutionize food systems. As sustainability becomes central to policy and purchasing decisions, insect protein offers a solution that’s scalable, nutritious, and environmentally sound.


For investors, producers, and innovators, this is the moment to seize the momentum of Europe’s edible insect revolution.

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