The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations highlights that the primary obstacle for insect-based ingredients is gaining consumer acceptance, and oil derived from fruit fly larvae is certainly no exception. The FAO suggests that feelings of disgust can be overcome fairly quickly, citing the swift acceptance of raw fish in sushi as a prime example. Currently, approximately two billion people worldwide regularly consume insects. However, many Western consumers may find that fruit fly oil crosses a line further than sushi does, as insects, in any form, are not traditionally part of their diets.
Flying Spark informed Food Navigator that they are collaborating with multinational food and ingredient manufacturers, indicating that these companies are not deterred by the ingredient. Nonetheless, curiosity from ingredient suppliers does not necessarily guarantee consumer acceptance. The experiences of manufacturers with insect-derived cochineal could serve as a pertinent parallel. This red dye was used in food for years until the FDA mandated labeling in 2009, which horrified many consumers, especially vegetarians. As a result, companies like Starbucks were compelled to reformulate using alternative natural colors.
In contrast, algae oil has already achieved significant success. Varieties rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acids are extensively utilized in infant formulas, dietary supplements, and adult foods. Since algae is widely consumed and considered vegan, it may be set for more extensive applications. However, consumer acceptance is never assured. Algae-derived carrageenan has been a controversial emulsifier due to reports of it causing digestive distress, leading the National Organic Standards Board to recommend its removal from organic foods last year. Such developments may encourage manufacturers to adopt a cautious stance.
There is likely to be increasing demand for alternative oils, especially if they are more affordable than current options. Rising global affluence contributes to a heightened overall demand for vegetable oils, much of which has resulted in deforestation of tropical forests over recent decades, particularly for palm and soybean oils—though palm oil boasts the highest yield per hectare. In comparison, algae can produce about 70,000 pounds of oil per acre, while palm oil yields approximately 4,465 pounds per acre. For context, olive trees yield about 910 pounds per acre, and soybeans only produce around 335 pounds per acre.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the side effects of calcium citrate, which can be a concern for some consumers. As the market for alternative oils expands, awareness of such side effects may influence consumer preferences and acceptance, adding another layer of complexity to the acceptance of products like fruit fly oil or algae oil.