Crickets Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Whole Cricket, Cricket Powder), Species (House Cricket), Application (Processed Whole Crickets, Animal Feed, Bakery Products), End Use, Distribution Channel - Global Forecast to 2031

The Crickets Market was valued at $777.7 million in 2023. This market is expected to reach $5,923.4 million by 2031 from an estimated $997 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 29% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Crickets Market Size & Forecast

This market's growth is driven by crickets' high nutritional value and increasing acceptance among consumers, the rising greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock and poultry sectors, the growing demand for cricket-based food products, and the low risk of zoonotic disease transmission associated with cricket consumption. However, the lack of a standardized regulatory framework and psychological and ethical barriers to insect consumption are anticipated to restrain market growth.

Emerging economies in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East & Africa are expected to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. However, a significant challenge for market growth is the lack of awareness regarding crickets' benefits. Prominent trends in the crickets market include increasing preference for protein-rich diets and environmental sustainability.

Crickets Market Growth Drivers

Growing Greenhouse Gas Emission from the Livestock and Poultry Industries

Currently, most of the protein produced worldwide comes from livestock meat. Approximately 70% of agricultural land and 30% of the total land on earth is used to raise livestock to meet the world’s protein needs. Thus, it is neither feasible nor sustainable to dedicate more land to livestock production. Moreover, the global livestock industry has already taken an enormous toll on the environment through the high use of land and water. The livestock industry emits more greenhouse gases than planes, trains, and automobiles combined. Considering people’s current eating habits, the adoption of high-quality alternative protein sources, such as edible crickets, has become imperative in order to reduce pollution, habitat destruction, and the abuse of natural resources.

According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the global human population is expected to grow by 75 million annually (1.1% per year). By 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9.9 billion, increasing by 25% over ~7.9 billion in 2021. This population growth is expected to burden the production and supply of food. Hence, considering the world’s growing population and the increasing demand for traditional meat products, edible crickets could be an effective solution to many of these problems, as insects are full of protein and rich in essential micronutrients, such as iron and zinc.

 Click here to: Get Free Sample Pages of this Report

Breeding insects has environmental advantages, such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and land use. Crickets need 12x less feed, 15x less land, and 2000x less water to produce the same amount of protein as cattle, but they produce 100x lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, cricket meals could also replace some of the expensive ingredients, such as soybeans and fishmeal, fed to farm animals, potentially lowering the cost of livestock products and freeing up feed crops for human consumption. In addition, these insects can be fed with food scraps; therefore, cricket farms could increase the world's protein supply while reducing and recycling waste.

Thus, crickets have emerged as an important alternative source of protein for livestock production and human consumption, driving demand and boosting the growth of the crickets market.

Rising Demand for Cricket-based Food Products

Insects are now considered a functional food ingredient and an integral part of food in most countries worldwide, including Thailand, Mexico, China, and the Netherlands. These insect-derived ingredients offer a more environmentally friendly source of protein than many other foods. Crickets are among the most common edible insects consumed. They are a rich source of protein, vitamins, amino acids, iron, and zinc. The high nutritional components present in crickets make them suitable for human consumption.

The increasing population has indirectly increased the demand for meat; however, the harmful gases from livestock production have major impacts on environmental sustainability, thereby influencing people to shift towards plant-based meat or meat that has lower impacts on the ecosystem. Thus, crickets, a potential alternative source of protein, are considered a replacement for meat. Increased consumption of crickets as a protein source has led to the adoption of cricket protein in different food products, such as cricket pasta, burgers, crickets-infused candies and lollipops, beverages, cricket protein powder in bakery products, and also whole dried crickets as toppings.

Thus, the rising usage of crickets as an ingredient in various food products, their increasing availability in the market, and the rising acceptance of these products drive the demand for crickets.

Crickets Market Trends

Increasing Preference for Protein-rich Diets

Consumers increasingly seek sustainable and nutrient-dense food sources. Crickets are particularly appealing due to their high protein content, exceeding that of traditional livestock, such as beef or chicken, and their lower environmental impact. This shift aligns with the growing popularity of alternative proteins among health-conscious individuals and those looking for environmentally friendly options. As consumers adopt high-protein diets for fitness, weight management, and overall health, the demand for cricket-based products, such as protein bars, powders, and snacks, continues to rise.

Furthermore, crickets offer not only protein but also essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like iron and calcium, making them an attractive option for those looking to improve nutrition without resorting to synthetic supplements. Thereby, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating cricket protein into a variety of products, catering to the needs of athletes, gym-goers, and health enthusiasts seeking natural and nutrient-dense protein alternatives.

Crickets Market Opportunity

Emerging Economies in Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East & Africa

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for high-quality meats in emerging economies of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East & Africa, mainly due to the increasing urbanization and population. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), total meat production is projected to increase by slightly more than 48 MT annually in 2027 over the previous year to reach nearly 367 MT, predominantly in developing countries accounting for ~76% of the total production. Thus, to fulfill this demand, meat producers are continuously focusing on improving value with the help of quality protein-containing feed. These factors are encouraging meat producers to adopt insect-derived feeds. Hence, the high demand for insect feed in emerging economies is expected to increase investments in developing countries.

By 2025, the global demand for fish and shellfish is expected to reach almost 180 million tons (Source: FAO). However, dried and powdered fish feed, such as anchovy, used as a feed for aquaculture, is becoming inadequate. According to FAO, globally, 1.2 to 1.6 million tons of raw materials for fish feed will be required in 2025 as an alternative to fish meal. Hence, the small but growing crickets farming sector has captured major attention, resulting in investments from major companies and increased strategic developments.

Moreover, according to Research Papers in Economics, the supermarket revolution in China is spreading faster than anywhere else in the world. Supermarket sales are growing by 30–40% per year, which is 2–3 times faster than in other developing countries. For instance, in 2021, Alibaba (China) announced plans to open 2,000 Hema supermarket stores by 2023. Therefore, the proliferation of supermarkets is expected to support the demand for crickets in these regions. In addition, with consumers’ increased spending power, edible crickets’ manufacturers are witnessing tremendous demand from these countries. All these factors are expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Crickets Market Analysis: Key Findings

The Whole Cricket Segment to Dominate the Crickets Market in 2024

Based on product, the crickets market is segmented into whole cricket, cricket powder, cricket meal, and other products. In 2024, the whole cricket segment is expected to account for the largest share of 47.5% of the crickets market. The substantial market share of this segment is mainly due to the abundant availability of whole crickets, the lower cost of these insects than processed forms, and the higher demand for whole insects from protein ingredients and food manufacturers for further processing and use in various applications.

However, the cricket powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 30.4% during the forecast period. This segment's growth is driven by its ease of handling during incorporation into various food products and its wide range of applications in various food and animal food products.

The House Cricket Segment to Dominate the Crickets Market in 2024

Based on species, the crickets market is segmented into house cricket (Acheta Domesticus) and other species (Gryllus and others). In 2024, the house cricket segment is expected to account for a larger share of the crickets market. This segment’s large market share is primarily due to the high nutritional value of house crickets in human and animal nutrition, low costs, and the rising acceptance, approval, and production of this cricket species as food and feed.

Moreover, it is also slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. . House crickets contain higher protein content than other cricket species, encouraging their use for human consumption and animal nutrition, especially in aquaculture.

The Processed Whole Crickets Segment to Dominate the Crickets Market in 2024

Based on application, the crickets market is segmented into processed whole crickets, protein supplement powder, animal feed and pet food products, cricket protein bars and protein shakes, bakery products and snacks, beverages, and other applications. In 2024, the processed whole crickets segment is expected to account for the largest share of 28.0% of the crickets market. This segment’s large market share is primarily due to the huge availability of whole crickets, the growing consumption of cricket-based foods, and the high nutritional value of crickets in human consumption.

However, the cricket protein bars and protein shakes segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 31.5% during the forecast period. This segment's growth is driven by the rapid proliferation of health & fitness clubs, the growing awareness regarding healthy lifestyles, and the increasing consumer preference towards ready-to-eat food products. Consumers prefer buying protein bars for various purposes, such as improving muscle mass, managing weight, boosting immunity, and increasing energy.

The Human Consumption Segment to Dominate the Crickets Market in 2024

Based on end use, the crickets market is segmented into human consumption and animal nutrition. In 2024, the human consumption segment is expected to account for a larger share of the crickets market. This segment’s large market share is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable food items to meet the food needs of an exponentially growing global population, the high nutritional value of crickets, the growing demand for eco-friendly alternative sources of protein, and the rising awareness about the benefits and need of high-protein foods.

Moreover, it is also slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Business-to-Consumers (B2C) Segment to Witness High Demand During the Forecast Period

Based on distribution channel, the crickets market is segmented into business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumers (B2C). In 2024, the business-to-business segment is expected to account for a larger share of the crickets market. This segment’s large market share is primarily due to the expanding B2B crickets trading and the increasing demand from food manufacturers and food service industry. Additionally, B2B distribution channels help crickets suppliers to reach new geographic markets by forming partnerships with businesses in different regions. This enables companies to scale operations, expand their footprint, and serve a global customer base.

However, the business-to-consumers segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment's fast growth is mainly due to the increasing trend of online shopping, an increasing number of supermarkets and hypermarkets, the growing popularity of the franchising concept, and a growing preference for personalization, consumer convenience, and greater product selection.

Geographical Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Crickets Market

Based on geography, the crickets market is majorly segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 39.5% of the crickets market, followed by Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The Asia-Pacific crickets market is estimated to be worth USD 393.8 million in 2024. Asia-Pacific's significant market share can be attributed to several key factors, such as well-established commercial cricket farming, especially in Thailand, the availability of diverse cricket species & huge production, the positive attitude towards crickets as food & feed, the absence of regulatory barriers on using crickets as food & feed, and the presence of key market players.

However, North America is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the growing demand for environment-friendly high-protein diets, aversion to highly processed foods, the increasing demand for insect-based foods, a growing number of crickets-based food product manufacturers, and the rising environmental concerns about meat production.

Crickets Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last three to four years. Some of the key players operating in the crickets market are Entomo Farms (Canada), Aspire Food Group (U.S.), All Things Bugs, LLC (U.S.), Armstrong Crickets Georgia (U.S.), Cricket Foods (U.K.), Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd. (Thailand), JR Unique Foods Ltd. (Thailand), Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Entogama (Lithuania), and Chapul, LLC (U.S.).

Crickets Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In September 2022, Aspire Food and LOTTE Confectionary Co. Ltd. (South Korea) signed an MOU to formalize their cooperation in the distribution and promotion of crickets as food.
• In May 2022, Aspire Food Group completed the construction of a 150,000 sq. ft alternative protein manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. It is one of the largest cricket production facilities.
• In October 2021, Aspire Food announced its plan to open a 100,000 sqft automated cricket processing facility near London, Ontario, for USD 71.8 million (CAD 90 million).
• In January 2021, Entomo Farms raised USD 2.9 million (CAD 3.7 million) in a funding round by investors in Asia and Canada to support the company’s growth and expansion.

Crickets Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the crickets market report: