Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market by Product (Whole Insect, Insect Powder, Insect Meal), Insect Type (Crickets, Black Soldier Fly, Mealworms, Ants), Application (Animal Feed, Protein Bar & Shakes, Bakery, Confectionery), and Geography - Forecast to 2030

The Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market is expected to reach $282.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 22.4% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of this market is attributed to several factors, including the high nutritional value of insects, the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock and poultry industries, the environmental benefits associated with consuming edible insects, the increasing utilization of insects in animal feeds by feed processors and farmers, and the low risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases through the consumption of edible insects. Moreover, the rising consumer demand for more sustainable food and feed products, along with government support for insect farming, offers significant growth opportunities for market players.

However, the absence of a standardized regulatory framework, psychological and ethical barriers to consuming insects as food, and the potential risk of allergies associated with insect consumption restrain the market’s growth. Additionally, the lack of awareness regarding the benefits of insect consumption remains a major challenge for the growth of this market.

Key Players

The report includes a competitive landscape 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 Middle East & Africa edible insects market study are Ÿnsect (SAS) (France), Enterra Feed Corporation (Canada), InnovaFeed (France), EnviroFlight, LLC (U.S.), Nutrition Technologies Group (Singapore), Protix B.V. (Netherlands), Entomo Farms (Canada), Hargol FoodTech (Israel), All Things Bugs LLC (U.S.), Global Bugs Asia Co., Ltd (Thailand), JR Unique Foods (Thailand), Cricket Lab Limited (U.K.), BioflyTech (Spain), InsectiPro Ltd. (Kenya), Mana Biosystems Ltd (Kenya), Marula Proteen Ltd (Uganda), ProtiCycle (South Africa), Inseco (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), Maltento (Pty) Ltd. (South Africa), and Nambu Group (South Africa).

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High Nutritional Value of Insects Boost the Demand for Edible Insects in the Middle East & Africa

Insects constitute the largest group of animals on Earth, accounting for 80% of all animal species. The nutritional content of edible insects can vary significantly. It can even vary within the same species, depending on factors like the insect's life stage, habitat, and diet. Nevertheless, edible insects are a rich source of nutrients, and the human body can absorb these nutrients more efficiently compared to beef or wheat. Many countries in the African region face challenges related to hunger and malnutrition. In numerous instances, insufficient fat intake is a contributing factor due to the limited availability. For instance, in 2022, malnutrition affected approximately 26–38% of children under the age of five in Africa (Source: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund [UNICEF]).

Various edible insect species are abundant in beneficial fats that the body can easily convert into energy. Additionally, insects serve as a rich protein and vitamin source, offering high levels of calcium, iron, and zinc. In regions grappling with malnutrition, edible insects can prove to be a valuable dietary resource.

Some individuals experience allergies or intolerances to common protein sources such as soy, milk, or eggs. For example, milk sugar can lead to allergic reactions like bloating and diarrhea, making insects an excellent alternative since they provide amino acids and protein. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating insect protein into various food products due to the high nutritional value of these insects.

Furthermore, rapid population growth has exacerbated the problem of food security. Moreover, changing socio-demographics have exerted increased pressure on the world’s resources. The increased demand for animal-based protein, in particular, is expected to have adverse impacts on the environment. Edible insects can be an ideal solution to these challenges due to their high nutrient content.

Key Findings in the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Study:

The Insect Powder Segment is Projected to Witness Significant Growth in the Market During 2024–2030

Based on the product, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into whole insects, insect powder, insect meal, and insect oil. In 2024, the whole insects segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. However, the insect powder segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing utilization of insect protein powder across health clubs and fitness centers, the incorporation of powdered insects into various food and beverages, and the rising demand for environmentally friendly alternative protein sources.

In 2024, the Crickets Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market

Based on insect type, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies, buffalo worms, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms, cicadas, and other edible insects. In 2024, the crickets segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing utilization of crickets in various food recipes and products, supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting cricket farming, increasing launches of new cricket-based products by manufacturers, and the rising consumer demand for such products.

In 2024, the Food & Beverages Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market

Based on application, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into food & beverages and feed. In 2024, the food & beverages segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to several factors, including the widespread acceptance of whole insects as food, increasing demand for high-quality alternative protein and amino acid sources among end users, a growing food shortage in the region, rising demand for nutrition-rich food, and the increasing use of insect powder by the food & beverage sector.

In 2024, the Human Consumption Segment to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market

Based on end use, the Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into human consumption and animal nutrition. In 2024, the human consumption segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for environmentally friendly sources of protein, the rising need for insect-based foods to sustain the ever-growing population, and the high nutritional value of insects. The human consumption segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

South Africa to Dominate the Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market in 2024

The Middle East & Africa edible insects market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Egypt, Uganda, and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, South Africa is expected to account for the largest share of the Middle East & Africa edible insects market. South Africa’s significant market share can be attributed to several factors, such as the widespread acceptance of edible insects as a source of food and feed, the increasing demand for edible insects driven by food shortages, the abundant availability of various types of edible insects, and the continued efforts of manufacturers to develop edible insect products.

Scope of the Report:

Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Product

• Whole Insects
• Insect Powder
• Insect Meal
• Insect Oil

Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Insect Type

• Crickets
• Black Soldier Fly
• Mealworms
• Buffalo Worms
• Grasshoppers
• Ants
• Silkworms
• Cicada
• Other Edible Insects

Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Application

• Food & Beverage
  • Processed Whole Insects
  • Processed Insect Powder
  • Protein Bars & Protein Shakes
  • Baked Products & Snacks
  • Insect Confectioneries
  • Insect Beverages
  • Other Food & Beverage Applications
• Feed
  • Animal Feed
  • Aquaculture Feed
  • Pet Food

Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by End Use

• Human Consumption 
• Animal Nutrition

Middle East & Africa Edible Insects Market Assessment, by Country/Region

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Uganda
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key questions answered in the report: