Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market Size

The global insect protein hydrolysates market was estimated at USD 395 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 492.5 million in 2025 to USD 2 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 16.7% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The market of hydrolysates based on insect proteins is emerging among the top segments in the alternative-protein industry. Enzymatic digestion has been applied to insect proteins from mealworms and larvae of the black soldier fly to provide a product that provides better digestibility and bioactive characteristics. Profile certainly points to high-value applications in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, pet food, and functional foods, with new innovators and investors paying attention to them.
  
• Sustainable benefits come from the fact that insect farming requires very little resource input compared to other forms of protein sources, hence, they align better with the global environmental goals. Moreover, specific functional benefits such as antioxidants and immune properties provided by insect protein hydrolysates provide them with their distinctness in both nutraceutical and medical nutrition markets. As regulatory advances are being made in key countries, commercialization will grow, while consumers will continue to demand more clean-label, protein-rich, and functional ingredients.
  
• Most market dynamics are apparent when looking at regional attitudes fostered by cultural familiarity with insects for consumption and sustainability initiatives backed by governments. Other regions are mostly learning about insect protein through the pet food and sports nutrition markets, while good regulatory frameworks and research investments advance their growth in the future.
  

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market Trends

• Novel food regulations have come up with the means of accepting insect protein hydrolysates into mainstream nutrition and functional food sectors. As far as the law is concerned, bottlenecks are reducing to allow manufacturers to position the hydrolysates as safe, compliant, and very versatile ingredients in markets across the globe. This allows incorporation into formats followed in daily nutrition-from powders and beverages to ready-eat products-by the demands that consumers have of sustainable protein solutions.
  
• The applications of bioactive peptides are creating high-value opportunities beyond basic protein enrichment. Hydrolysates offer targeted health benefits, such as muscle recovery, metabolic control, and immune modulation, thereby being valued by sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and specialized dietary products. With the advancements in enzymatic processing and peptide profiling, reliability in delivery and performance strengthens claim in support of their premium positioning.
  

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market Analysis

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Based on source insect, the market is segmented into black soldier fly (hermetia illucens) hydrolysates, cricket (acheta domesticus) hydrolysates, mealworm (tenebrio molitor) hydrolysates, other insect species hydrolysates. Black soldier fly (hermetia illucens) hydrolysates segment dominated the market with an approximate revenue share of 49.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 16.4% by 2034.

• Hydrolysates from black soldier flies are attracting more interest owing to their superior amino acid composition and relatively cheaper production, thus making them suitable for sports nutrition and animal feed. Hydrolysates from crickets are marketed for human nutrition and functional food applications due to their clean-label advantage and better digestibility features. Mealworm hydrolysates have recently become popular in premium preparations for clinical nutrition and specialty dietary products based on their balanced nutrient composition. Hydrolysates from other insect species offer niche options for diversification into personalized nutrition and high-value segments, depending on their unique peptide profiles, which target health benefits definable these segmentations allow manufacturers to tailor offerings to specific markets and applications, thus causing innovation and competitive differentiation.
  

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Based on processing method, the insect protein hydrolysates market is segmented into enzymatic hydrolysis, processing technology integration, and specialized processing methods. Enzymatic hydrolysis support holds the largest market share of 59.8% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6% during 2025 to 2034.

• Enzymatic hydrolysis has been the primary methodology based on its ability to generate controlled peptide profiles in high bioactivity for sports and clinical nutrition. The integration of process engineering for hydrolysis activity with advanced filtration and drying systems is intended to facilitate the scaling-up and cost-efficient process without losing the functional integrity of the product. The wide hydrometric segmentation will allow personal solutions in terms of digestibility combined with absorption speed, resulting in products that can be directed towards consumer-specific nutrition and performance-based offerings. The special processing techniques that are being developed include, but are not limited to, encapsulation and hybridization to enhance stability, flavor masking, and applicability to ready-to-drink beverages and functional bars.
  

Based on application, the market is segmented into pet food applications, aquaculture feed applications, human food applications, cosmetics & personal care, livestock feed applications, other applications. The pet food applications segment dominated the market with an approximate revenue share of 35.3% in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 15.9% by 2034.

• Pet food and aquaculture feed are the traditional sectors using hydrolysates, given their benefit to digestibility, nutrient absorption, and gut health in animals. With the growing interest in hydrolysates in sports nutrition drinks, functional beverages, and clinical nutrition products, where bioactive peptides help muscle recovery and metabolic health, insect hydrolysates are established as a multifunctional ingredient for brands seeking clean-label and performance-based solutions.
  
• Beyond food and feed, newer opportunities arise in cosmetics and personal care where hydrolysates are studied for skin health and anti-aging benefits in topical and ingestible formats. Applications of hydrolysates continue to be found in livestock feeding for improved feed efficiency and resilience in poultry and swine production. As consumers become increasingly interested in evidence-backed wellness solutions, niche applications in nutraceuticals and personalized nutrition platforms are expected to flourish. This multiplicity enhances the position of the market for premiumization and innovations across diverse industries.
  

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The North America insect protein hydrolysates market dominated with a revenue share of 27.6% in 2024.

• North America stands as growth stage for insect protein hydrolysates due to increasing consumer awareness toward sustainable protein sources and functional nutrition. Consumers demand more environmentally friendly and gut microbiome-friendly products. Growing applications in pet food and aquaculture feed would match human nutrition formats, thus creating diversified demand bases
  

U.S. dominates the North America insect protein hydrolysates market, showcasing strong growth potential.

• The U.S. market presents a high potential for brands integrating hydrolysates with sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements since it conforms to the clean label and high-protein trends. A clear regulatory environment and established distribution networks further support commercialization, while a premium positioning in practitioner and retail channels is also expected to accelerate the increased adoption.
  

Europe leads the insect protein hydrolysates market with USD 144.6 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• Europe is positioned strategically for insect protein hydrolysates as regulatory movement gathers for novel food approvals, and great sustainability has initiated groundwork to kickstart marketing considerations on premium positioning and B2B ingredient partnerships with brands emphasizing transparency and clinically relevant doses of functional foods and supplements alike.
  

Germany dominates the European insect protein hydrolysates market, showcasing strong growth potential.

• Germany stands with active research programs and engaged industry stakeholders in protein innovation that drive the integration of insect hydrolysates into plant-based and fortified food products. Popular application areas of sports nutrition, functional beverages, and specialized dietary solutions are in line with consumers' increasing trends toward clean label and gut health.
  

The Asia Pacific insect protein hydrolysates market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 19.1% during the analysis timeframe.

• Asia-Pacific emerge as the fastest-growing region for insect protein hydrolysates due to health awareness, sustainability ethos, and strong government support for alternative proteins. Strengthening the region's growth, approvals of novel foods and investments in processing technologies that enable cost-efficient production with consistent quality. As spending by the new middle class on health and wellness ramps up, Asia-Pacific stands to become a significant hub for applications in human nutrition and feed providing opportunities for global players to enter partnerships and localized manufacturing strategies
  

China insect protein hydrolysates market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR in the Asia Pacific insect protein hydrolysates materials.

• China is using industrial partnerships and e-commerce avenues to scale-up the use of hydrolysates in functional foods, sports nutrition, and fortified products. India is witnessing rising adoption through the practitioner and pharmacy-led segments that leverage hydrolysates for digestive and metabolic health solutions.
  

Latin America insect protein hydrolysates market accounted for 5.7% market share in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• Urbanization, increased health awareness, and an improved capacity to access environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional food technologies are greatly pushing the development of the insect protein hydrolysates in Latin America.
  

Brazil leads the Latin American insect protein hydrolysates market, exhibiting remarkable growth during the analysis period.

• The manufacturers in the Brazil are using hydrolysates increasingly in the production of functional food, dietary supplements, and wellness products to satisfy the consumers who want high-quality protein and environmentally friendly solutions. The trend for clean label and microbiome supportive nutrition is among the reasons for the creation of new products in the form of powders, bars, and fortified snacks which are easy to consume and have a good taste. 
  

Middle East & Africa insect protein hydrolysates market accounted for 3% revenue share in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• The Middle East and Africa have come up as growing markets for insect protein hydrolysates due to urbanization, increase in health consciousness, and the increasing interest for sustainable nutrition. The regional food and wellness sectors explore the inclusion of hydrolysates in functional foods, dietary supplements, and clinical nutrition products for the consumer demand of clean-label and protein-rich solutions.
  

Saudi Arabia insect protein hydrolysates market to experience substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa market in 2024.

• Increasing investments in food innovation and regulatory progress are supposed to accelerate the adoption of these formats by the retail and institutional channels.
  
• Saudi Arabia would be a key-motivated market. The emerging food processing and healthcare industries in the region positively contribute to its market.  
  

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market Share

The top 5 companies in insect protein hydrolysates industry include Ynsect, Protix B.V., InnovaFeed, ProNuvo, Hexafly. These are prominent companies operating in their respective regions covering approximately 53% of the market share in 2024. These companies hold strong positions due to their extensive experience in insect protein hydrolysates industry. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand across various regions.

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Market Companies

Major players operating in the insect protein hydrolysates industry include:

• Ynsect
• Protix B.V.
• InnovaFeed
• ProNuvo
• Hexafly
• Nutrition Technologies
• AgriProtein (acquired by Insect Technology Group)
• Entocycle
• P&O Biotechnology
• Agronutris
  
• Ynsect specializes in insect protein and fertilizers with a major focus on mealworm production. The company has vertical farming facilities along with proprietary processing technologies to deliver protein ingredients for the markets for foods, feeds, and pet nutrition.
  
• Protix B.V. makes protein and lipid-based ingredients from black soldier flies for animal feed, pet food, and eventually human nutrition applications. The company adopts the circular production model and engages in partnerships with global food and feed players to increase its footprint.
  
• InnovaFeed develops insect protein and oil solutions from black soldier fly larvae targeting aquaculture, livestock, and pet food. It applies the concept of industrial symbiosis, which models their business model to create value from waste and, therefore, minimize their environmental impact.
  
• ProNuvo specializes in protein ingredients from insects meant for animal feed and pet nutrition. The company uses black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste into high-quality proteins and fats as well as organic fertilizers based on frass. It has a variety of products, including dried larvae, powdered meal, and oils, for sustainable feed applications.
  
• Hexafly is an Irish biotechnology company that aims to commercialize the use of food waste to produce protein, oils, and organic fertilizers from Black Soldier Fly larvae.
  

Insect Protein Hydrolysates Industry News

• In September 2025, Mukka Proteins Limited (MPL), India's major player in animal protein, announced that it has successfully closed its strategic majority acquisition of FABBCO Bio Cycle and Bio Protein Technology Private Limited (FABBCO) for a stake of 51%.
  
• In January 2024, Ÿnsect, one of the significant players in the production of insect-based proteins, has been granted authorization by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to use defatted mealworm proteins within dog nutrition. It is the first time that mealworm-based ingredients for pet foods have been approved in the USA.
  
• In October 2023, Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world's biggest food companies, made an announcement that it signed a two-part investment deal with Protix, the insect ingredients company. This strategic investment will help the burgeoning insect ingredient industry to gain momentum and further the application scope of insect ingredient solutions in generating more efficient sustainable proteins and lipids in the global food system.
  

This insect protein hydrolysates market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2025 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Source Insect

• Black soldier fly (hermetia illucens) hydrolysates
• Cricket (acheta domesticus) hydrolysates
• Mealworm (tenebrio molitor) hydrolysates
• Other insect species hydrolysates
  • Locusta migratoria hydrolysates
  • Alphitobius diaperinus hydrolysates
  • Gryllodes sigillatus hydrolysates
  • Emerging species development

Market, By Processing Method

• Enzymatic hydrolysis
  • Single enzyme hydrolysis
  • Multi-enzyme hydrolysis
  • Sequential enzyme treatment
  • High-pressure assisted enzymatic hydrolysis
• Processing technology integration
  • Wet processing with hydrolysis
  • Dry processing with hydrolysis
  • Membrane filtration & concentration
  • Spray drying & stabilization
• Specialized processing methods
  • Maillard reaction enhanced hydrolysates
  • Ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis
  • Microwave-assisted processing

Market, By Application

• Pet food applications
• Aquaculture feed applications
• Human food applications
• Cosmetics & personal care
• Livestock feed applications
• Other applications

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa