Study confirms BSFL-derived palatant boosts shrimp feed intake by 7.56%

FRANCE – A new scientific study has confirmed that a black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)-derived palatant developed by Innovafeed can increase shrimp feed intake by 7.56%, delivering performance comparable to squid meal and strengthening the case for insect-based ingredients as both sustainable and effective solutions for aquaculture.

The findings were published in a new white paper released by Innovafeed in collaboration with SPAROS, a leading European research and development centre in aquaculture nutrition, with experimental trials conducted by RIASEARCH. 

The trials focused on shrimp palatability and performance in Penaeus vannamei, one of the world’s most widely farmed shrimp species.

Reduced feed intake is a persistent challenge in shrimp diets with high levels of plant protein. To counter this, formulators often rely on marine ingredients such as squid, fish or krill meal to act as attractants and palatants, despite their exposure to supply instability and price volatility.

The study evaluated whether Innovafeed’s BSFL-derived palatant, marketed as Hilucia™, could serve as a viable alternative. 

According to the white paper, shrimp fed diets containing 3% of the BSFL-derived palatant recorded a 7.56% increase in relative feed intake compared with a negative control diet. 

Crucially, the palatability response was equivalent to that achieved with 3% squid meal, a long-established benchmark in shrimp feed formulations.

The research also found that feed conversion ratios were maintained, suggesting that the higher intake translated into strong growth potential without compromising efficiency at the farm scale. 

The authors attributed the results to a strong phago-stimulatory effect, confirming the ingredient’s role as a powerful feed effector rather than simply a functional additive.

“Shrimp fed diets with the BSF-derived palatant showed improved appetite, confirming its value as a natural, sustainable solution for boosting feed attractiveness and performance,” said Dr. Jorge Dias, General Manager at SPAROS.

Innovafeed said the results add to a growing body of evidence that insect-based ingredients can meet both sustainability and performance requirements in modern aquaculture, particularly as producers seek to reduce dependence on marine resources.

Sustainability credentials reinforced

The research milestone comes as Innovafeed continues to strengthen its sustainability credentials at a corporate level. 

In December 2025, the France-based company renewed its international B Corp™ certification, achieving an improved score of 118, up from 111 out of 200 when it was first certified in 2022.

The recertification was granted during a period of rapid industrial and commercial expansion and reflects deeper integration of environmental, social and governance principles into Innovafeed’s core business model. 

The 2025 audit highlighted progress in governance, environmental performance and customer engagement, while noting the company’s ongoing transition within the “Communities” pillar as its workforce and partnerships expand.

Over the past three years, Innovafeed has significantly scaled operations at its Nesle site in France, now the world’s largest insect production facility, while advancing a fully circular, fossil-free industrial model based on repurposing agricultural by-products.

“Being recertified as a B Corp™ is an important recognition of the progress achieved and the daily commitment of our teams,” said Maye Walraven, Chief Impact Officer at Innovafeed. 

“This improvement motivates us to continue transforming our industry and to demonstrate that new industrial models, both high-performing and sustainable, can deliver solutions for tomorrow.”

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