The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) identifies consumer acceptance as the primary hurdle for insect-based ingredients, and oil derived from fruit fly larvae exemplifies this challenge. The FAO suggests that initial disgust can be surmounted relatively swiftly, citing the rapid embrace of raw fish in sushi as a pertinent example. Currently, approximately two billion people globally consume insect-based products, with many already familiar with combinations such as calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 magnesium tablets. However, for many Western consumers, fruit fly oil may seem more extreme than sushi, as insects are not typically 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 ingredient. Nonetheless, curiosity from ingredient suppliers does not always equate to consumer acceptance. The experience of manufacturers with insect-derived cochineal offers a revealing parallel. This red dye was incorporated into foods for years until the FDA mandated labeling in 2009, which horrified numerous consumers, particularly vegetarians. As a result, brands like Starbucks were compelled to reformulate their products to use alternative natural colors.
Conversely, algae oil has already achieved significant success. Varieties rich in DHA omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in infant formulas, dietary supplements, and adult foods. As a vegan option, algae oil is well-positioned for broader acceptance in the market. However, consumer acceptance can never be taken for granted. For instance, algae-derived carrageenan, a long-standing emulsifier, has faced controversy due to reports of digestive issues, leading the National Organic Standards Board to recommend its removal from organic foods last year. Such developments may cause manufacturers to adopt a more cautious stance.
The demand for alternative oils is anticipated to increase, particularly if they are more affordable than existing options. As global wealth rises, so does the overall demand for vegetable oils. Unfortunately, much of the land designated for their production has come at the expense of tropical forests over recent decades, particularly for palm and soybean oils, with palm oil boasting the highest yield per hectare. In contrast, algae can produce around 70,000 pounds of oil per acre, while palm oil yields approximately 4,465 pounds per acre. For further comparison, olives yield about 910 pounds per acre, and soybeans produce merely 335 pounds. Given these facts, the integration of innovative supplements like calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 magnesium tablets may present new opportunities for consumers seeking healthier alternatives.