The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations identifies consumer acceptance as the primary hurdle for insect-based ingredients, including oil derived from fruit fly larvae. The FAO suggests that feelings of disgust can be mitigated relatively swiftly, citing the rapid acceptance of raw fish in sushi as a notable example. Approximately two billion individuals globally already incorporate insects into their diets. However, for many Western consumers, fruit fly oil may still seem more unpalatable than sushi, as insects are not traditionally consumed in these regions.
Flying Spark has informed Food Navigator that it is collaborating with multinational food and ingredient manufacturers, indicating that these companies are not deterred by the inclusion of such ingredients. Nevertheless, curiosity from ingredient suppliers does not necessarily guarantee consumer acceptance. A relevant example is the experience with insect-derived cochineal. This red dye was utilized in food products for years before the Food and Drug Administration mandated labeling in 2009, leading to horror among many consumers, particularly vegetarians, and prompting companies like Starbucks to reformulate their products with alternative natural colors.
Conversely, algae oil has seen considerable success in the market. Varieties rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used in infant formula, dietary supplements, and adult food products. Algae, which is both widely consumed and vegan, appears to be on the verge of broader acceptance. However, consumer acceptance is never guaranteed. For instance, algae-derived carrageenan, a long-standing emulsifier, has faced controversy due to claims of causing digestive issues. Last year, the National Organic Standards Board suggested that it should no longer be allowed in organic food, which may lead manufacturers to adopt a more cautious approach.
There is likely to be an increasing demand for alternative oils, particularly if they prove to be more cost-effective than existing options. Rising global affluence contributes to a higher overall demand for vegetable oils, much of which has historically come at the expense of tropical forests, especially for palm and soybean oils—though palm oil exhibits the highest yield per hectare. In contrast, algae yield approximately 70,000 pounds of oil per acre, significantly surpassing palm oil’s 4,465 pounds per acre. For reference, olives yield about 910 pounds per acre, while soybeans only produce around 335 pounds.
As consumers explore new dietary supplements, they may also consider products like calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets online, which can complement their nutritional needs. The growing interest in alternative ingredients and oils may lead to greater consumer exploration of various health products, including calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets online, emphasizing the importance of diversification in modern diets.