The Edible Grasshoppers Market is expected to reach $236.35 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 20.4% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2030. The growth of this market is attributed to environmental benefits associated with grasshoppers; the growing need for protein alternatives as global food scarcity grows, and rising demand for grasshoppers in the animal feed industry. Additionally, increasing awareness about edible insects offers significant growth opportunities for edible grasshopper vendors. However, the lack of a standardized regulatory framework and psychological and ethical barriers to consuming insects as food restrains the edible grasshopper market growth.
Key Players
The report includes a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the key growth strategies adopted by leading market players in the past four years. The key players profiled in the edible grasshoppers market are Proscientia (China), Hargol FoodTech (Israel), Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Kreca Ento-Feed BV (Netherlands), and Heze Jianuojia Pet Products Co., Ltd. (China).
Environmental Benefits Associated With Grasshoppers Drives Edible Grasshopper Market
Edible grasshoppers appear more climate-friendly than cattle, pigs or chickens since they require less space and water to grow and develop and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental impact of food production is increasingly brought to the forefront of sustainability debates, particularly surrounding the reduction of CO2 emissions and other factors, such as water & land use. By 2025, at least 1.8 billion people will live in regions with inadequate freshwater supplies, and two-thirds of the global population will be under pressure from falling water sources (Source: FAO). The rising demand for meat is expected to pressure natural areas to be converted to farmland. Globally, twice as much land is used to raise cattle, pigs, and other animals than grow crops. Also, a third of those crops harvested are fed back to livestock (Source: FAO, 2020). Grasshoppers have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock farming. They require less land, water, and feed with minimal greenhouse gas emissions to produce the same protein.
Despite their reputation as agricultural pests, grasshoppers can provide several environmental benefits. Grasshoppers are an important food source for various animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other insects. They also have gained attention as a sustainable and nutritious food source with several benefits. Grasshoppers are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins (such as B12 and B vitamins), and minerals (such as iron and zinc). Grasshoppers are nutritious with 36–40% protein, 41–43% fat, 2.5–3.2% carbohydrate, 2.6–3.9% ash, 11.0–14.5% dietary fiber, and 900–2300 μg/100 g total carotenoids on a dry matter basis. They can provide a nutrient-dense food source and particularly benefit people with limited access to other protein-rich foods.
Hence, utilizing grasshoppers as a food source can contribute to more sustainable and efficient food production systems with low environmental impact driving the market for edible grasshoppers.
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Key Findings in the Edible Grasshoppers Market Study:
In 2024, the dried grasshoppers segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market
Based on product type, the edible grasshoppers market is segmented into dried grasshoppers, powdered grasshoppers, frozen grasshoppers, and other product types. In 2024, the dried grasshoppers segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to easy availability, the requirement for lower costs compared to processed grasshopper products, and the inaccessibility of processing techniques in some regions. However, the powdered grasshoppers segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the ease of powder incorporation into protein bars, shakes, and snacks.
In 2024, the human nutrition segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market
Based on end use, the edible grasshoppers market is segmented into human nutrition and animal nutrition. In 2024, the human nutrition segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to their acceptance and adoption as a food source, a diverse nutrient profile, and high demand for innovative and unique products. This segment is also expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period because it is considered a reliable source of protein in health products.
In 2024, the offline distribution segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market
Based on distribution channel, the edible grasshoppers market is segmented into offline and online distribution. In 2024, the offline distribution segment is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market. The high market share of the offline distribution segment of the edible grasshoppers replicates the enduring preference for traditional shopping experiences, local accessibility, the trust and familiarity of consumers with physical stores, and quick purchase of fresh produce.
However, the online distribution segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The demand for online distribution channels in the edible grasshoppers market has steadily increased in recent years as it provides an extensive selection of products from multiple vendors, time efficiency, enhanced user experience, and promotions and discounts.
North America: Fastest-growing Market
Based on geography, in 2024, Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the edible grasshoppers market. Europe’s major market share is attributed to the consumers’ positive attitude toward the consumption of insects as food & feed, government approval for the grasshoppers, the well-established commercial farming market for edible insects, and established manufacturers. However, North America is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is attributed to the growing demand for a sustainable protein diet, growing concerns about meat production, and increasing demand for insect-based products.
Scope of the Report:
Edible Grasshoppers Market, by Product Type
- Dried Grasshoppers
- Powdered Grasshoppers
- Frozen Grasshoppers
- Other Product Types
Edible Grasshoppers Market, by End Use
- Human Nutrition
- Animal Nutrition
Edible Grasshoppers Market, by Distribution Channel
- Offline Distribution
- Online Distribution
Edible Grasshoppers Market, by Geography
- North America
- Europe
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- France
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- Thailand
- China
- South Korea
- Vietnam
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
Key questions answered in the report:
