July 22, 2025 – The global mealworm market is projected to expand from $9.29 million in 2023 to $17.66 million by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%, according to a new report by Dataintelo. The surge is fueled by rising consumer awareness of health and sustainability, coupled with technological advancements in breeding and processing .

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming mealworm production, with AI-powered systems monitoring temperature, humidity, and light to optimize breeding conditions, boosting yields and quality. Advanced image recognition technology sorts larvae by growth stage, ensuring only mature specimens enter the market and reducing waste. AI-driven data analytics also enable producers to adapt to evolving consumer preferences for sustainable protein sources .

Mealworms are gaining traction across multiple sectors. In aquaculture and animal feed, they replace fish meal and soybean meal, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities – China alone imports over 90 million tons of soybeans annually for feed production . The ingredient is also making inroads into human consumption, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, thanks to its high content of B vitamins, iron, zinc, and antibacterial peptides .

Policy support is further propelling growth. China added mealworms to its Feed Raw Material Catalog in 2024, while the EU's novel food approvals open up Western markets. "Mealworms are no longer a niche ingredient but a mainstream solution to global protein shortages and environmental challenges," said an industry analyst. With ongoing innovations in deodorization and microencapsulation technologies, consumer acceptance is expected to rise significantly in the coming years .