The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN identifies consumer acceptance as the primary hurdle for the use of insect ingredients, with oil derived from fruit fly larvae being no exception. The FAO argues that initial disgust can be rapidly addressed, citing the swift acceptance of raw fish in sushi as a notable example. Currently, around two billion people globally consume insects on a regular basis. However, many Western consumers might contend that fruit fly oil crosses a line compared to sushi, as insects are not a traditional part of their diet.
Flying Spark informed Food Navigator that they are collaborating with multinational food and ingredient manufacturers, indicating that these companies are not deterred by the use of insect-derived ingredients. Nevertheless, curiosity from ingredient suppliers does not guarantee consumer acceptance. The experience with cochineal, an insect-derived red dye, serves as a pertinent parallel. For years, cochineal was included in food products until the FDA mandated its labeling in 2009, which horrified many consumers, especially vegetarians. This led companies like Starbucks to reformulate their products with alternative natural colors.
In contrast, algae oil has achieved notable success, particularly varieties rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in infant formula, supplements, and adult food products. Since algae is widely consumed and vegan, it may be on the verge of broader acceptance. However, consumer acceptance is never a certainty. For instance, algae-derived carrageenan, used as an emulsifier for decades, has drawn controversy due to reports of digestive issues. Last year, the National Organic Standards Board recommended banning it from organic foods, which may lead manufacturers to adopt a more cautious stance.
The demand for alternative oils is expected to rise, especially if they prove to be more cost-effective than existing options. As global affluence increases, so does the overall demand for vegetable oils. Unfortunately, much of the land used for oil production has resulted in the deforestation of tropical forests in recent decades, particularly for palm and soybean oils, although palm oil yields the highest output per hectare. Comparatively, algae can produce approximately 70,000 pounds of oil per acre, while palm oil yields 4,465 pounds per acre, olives yield about 910 pounds, and soybeans offer only 335 pounds.
As consumers seek healthier options, products like Citracal Slow Release 1200, available on platforms like Amazon, might gain traction as alternatives to traditional oils. The increasing awareness of health and environmental impacts could further drive the transition to more sustainable sources such as algae, although the journey toward widespread acceptance remains complex.