Insect Feed Market Size to Reach USD 2.84 Billion by 2031, Driven by Sustainability Mandates and Aquaculture Demand

Insect Feed Market Overview and Industry Introduction

According to a research report by Mordor Intelligence, the insect feed market size was valued at USD 1.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1.46 billion in 2026 to reach USD 2.84 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 14.18% during the forecast period. The strong insect feed market growth is supported by regulatory approvals, corporate sustainability targets, and improved production efficiency across aquaculture, livestock, and pet food sectors.

The insect feed industry report highlights how insect protein is gaining recognition as an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal and soybean meal. Insects offer high edible and digestible content and require fewer natural resources compared to conventional livestock protein sources. This resource efficiency is attracting feed manufacturers seeking stable and environmentally responsible raw materials.

The insect feed market size is expanding as governments promote circular economy models and provide grants for capital investments. At the same time, rendering companies, established feed manufacturers, and emerging insect protein producers are competing to integrate insect-based ingredients into mainstream feed formulations.

Insect Feed Market Trends Supporting Long-Term Expansion

One of the most significant insect feed market trends is the high feed-conversion efficiency of insects. Black soldier fly larvae and mealworms convert organic waste into high-quality protein biomass more efficiently than many traditional protein sources. This efficiency is particularly relevant in aquaculture, where feed represents a large share of total production costs. By improving feed conversion ratios, insect-based protein offers economic benefits alongside environmental advantages.

Another important driver identified in the insect feed market analysis is the growing influence of corporate environmental, social, and governance commitments. Global food and feed companies are aligning procurement strategies with sustainability goals. As a result, alternative proteins with lower environmental footprints are being incorporated into supply contracts. This shift is encouraging long-term purchase agreements between insect producers and commercial feed mills.

Regulatory approvals are also shaping the insect feed market forecast. The European Food Safety Authority has approved processed animal proteins from insects for aquaculture feed, while the Association of American Feed Control Officials has accepted black soldier fly larvae meal for use in pet food. These regulatory changes provide clarity for manufacturers and reduce market-entry barriers, supporting investment in production facilities.

In addition, carbon-credit monetization linked to waste-upcycling insect farms is improving project economics. Facilities that divert organic waste streams can generate carbon credits, creating an additional revenue source. This strengthens the financial case for insect protein production and enhances the overall insect feed market share of sustainable feed solutions.

Explore region-specific insights, including Japan: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/insect-feed-market?utm_source=industrytoday

Insect Feed Market Segmentation Analysis

The insect feed market is segmented by animal type, insect species, product form, end user, and geography.

By Animal Type

Aquaculture holds the largest insect feed market share. Black soldier fly meal closely matches the nutritional requirements of fish species such as salmon and trout, enabling partial or full fishmeal replacement without affecting growth performance. Commercial trials in Europe and North America confirm positive results in feed efficiency and disease resistance.

The poultry segment is witnessing rapid insect feed market growth. Broiler producers are incorporating insect protein to reduce dependence on soybean meal and address commodity price fluctuations. Insect oil is also being evaluated for gut health benefits in poultry and swine diets.

By Insect Species

Black soldier fly dominates the insect feed market size due to its adaptability and ability to process diverse organic waste streams. It benefits from clear regulatory frameworks in key markets and established automation technologies that support large-scale production.

Mealworms represent a fast-growing segment. Pet food manufacturers value their palatability, and aquaculture companies are exploring their use as a fishmeal substitute. Research partnerships are focusing on improving digestibility to expand their applications.

By Product Form

Protein meal accounts for a significant portion of the insect feed market share. Its standardized nutrient composition and stability make it suitable for industrial feed formulations. Feed mills can incorporate insect protein into formulations without major adjustments to existing premixes.

Insect oil is gaining traction due to its antimicrobial properties and energy content. Producers are integrating extraction systems to improve biomass utilization and create additional revenue streams.

By End User

• Commercial feed mills represent a major share of demand due to established procurement systems and multi-species customer bases.
• Integrated livestock producers are increasing their adoption of insect protein to align with sustainability commitments and secure alternative feed sources.

Explore More Animal Nutrition & Wellness Research: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/market-analysis/animal-nutrition?utm_source=industrytoday 

Insect Feed Market Regional Insights

North America leads the insect feed market share, supported by regulatory approvals and funding for domestic production expansion. The United States and Canada have seen facility expansions backed by venture capital and public funding initiatives. Mexico’s shrimp industry is also testing insect meal as a fishmeal alternative.

Europe continues to expand following approvals for insect-processed animal proteins across livestock categories. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France are investing in production capacity aligned with circular economy strategies.

The Middle East is experiencing strong insect feed market growth due to food security initiatives aimed at reducing feed import dependence. Asia-Pacific markets, including Thailand, Singapore, and China, are investing in licensing reforms, genetics research, and automation to prepare for rising domestic demand.

South America and Africa are emerging as potential markets, leveraging agricultural waste availability and growing protein demand.

Key Players in the Insect Feed Market

The competitive landscape outlined in the insect feed industry report indicates a moderately fragmented market. Leading companies include:

• Darling Ingredients Inc.
• Protix B.V.
• InnovaFeed SAS
• Entobel Holding Pte. Ltd.
• Entomo Farms Inc.

Conclusion: Outlook for the Insect Feed Market

The insect feed market is moving from early-stage development toward broader commercial integration. Regulatory approvals, sustainability mandates, and improved production efficiency are supporting consistent insect feed market growth. Feed manufacturers are increasingly evaluating insect-based ingredients as reliable alternatives to traditional protein sources.

The insect feed market forecast suggests continued expansion as aquaculture, poultry, and pet food segments adopt insect protein at scale. With strong alignment to circular economy principles and waste valorization strategies, the industry is positioning itself as a viable component of the global feed supply chain.

As outlined in the insect feed market analysis, long-term competitiveness will depend on production scalability, regulatory compliance, and the ability to secure stable supply agreements. The insect feed market size is expected to expand steadily through the forecast period, supported by strategic investments and growing acceptance across global feed markets.

Industry Related Reports: 

Compound Feed Market - Valued at USD 590 billion in 2025, this market is projected to hit USD 748.27 billion by 2031 (4.05% CAGR). Growth is fueled by precision AI formulation, industrialization, and a shift toward natural additives and upcycled by-products to meet tightening antibiotic and carbon regulations.

Full Report: Compound Feed Market Insights

Swine Feed Market - Expanding from USD 159.64 billion in 2025 to USD 220.60 billion by 2031 (5.50% CAGR), this sector prioritizes feed-conversion efficiency and biosecurity. Demand is driven by China's herd recovery and the adoption of probiotic blends to replace antibiotic growth promoters.

Full Report: Swine Feed Market Insights

Forage Feed Market - Valued at USD 93.20 billion in 2025, this market is set to reach USD 128.30 billion by 2031 (5.60% CAGR). Suppliers are using double-compression technology to defend margins against freight costs, while new revenue flows from methane-reducing additives and carbon credits.

Full Report: Forage Feed Market Insights

Aquafeed Market - Expected to grow from USD 51.30 billion in 2025 to USD 69.40 billion by 2031 (5.22% CAGR), this market is scaling alternative proteins like insect and algae meal. AI-automated feeding and functional additives are helping mills meet strict environmental rules while boosting efficiency.

Full Report: Aquafeed Market Insights

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