Black Soldier Fly larvae

Whole BSFL

What are Black Soldier Fly larvae?

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are the immature stage of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), a non-pest fly species commonly found in tropical and temperate regions. The larvae are gaining popularity as a highly sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredient for animal feed, including fish food.

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How are BSFL farmed?

BSFL are often farmed on organic waste (including food scraps, chicken manure and other food industry industry cast-offs). They consume the scraps and are incredibly efficient at converting their meals into protein and Essential Fatty Acids.

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Why Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) work for us

Black Soldier Fly larvae are rapidly gaining popularity as a highly sustainable and nutrient-rich ingredient for animal feeds - and have been readily adopted by Aquaculture as a sustainable replacement for wild-caught fish in feed production. Here's a few reasons why we love BSFL:

High-Quality Protein: Packed with 40-45% protein (varies by feed source) and rich in lysine, essential for growth and development.
Healthy Fats: Abundant in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to boost health, energy, and vibrant coloration.
Skeletal Development: A natural, balanced source of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and shells.
Immune Support: Loaded with antimicrobial peptides to strengthen fish immune systems.
Chitin Benefits: The chitin in their outer shell acts as a powerful immunostimulant and prebiotic

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Why BSFL? Highly digestible and perfect for all fish species—from herbivores to carnivores. A sustainable, nutrient-rich ingredient that supports overall fish health!

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How we process BSFL

Our Black Soldier Fly larvae arrived pre-dried and whole. The only processing we do on-site is to grind them into a fine meal for easier distribution through our foods.

Sustainability and Ethics

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Eco-friendly Farming:

BSFL are farmed using organic waste (ie food scraps), reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions

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Low resource demand:

BSFL require minimal land, water and energy to reproduce, making them far more sustainable than traditional protein sources like fishmeal or soybean meal

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Reduced pressure on Fisheries:

The comparatively low-cost and resource-efficient nature of BSFL helps decrease the demand for wild-caught fish meals in animal feed production

Did you know?

Mini Composting Machines: A single kilogram of BSFL can eat and process up to 5 kilograms of organic waste per day, making them nature's recycling superheroes!

Zero Waste Farming: Not only are the larvae used as feed, but their frass (waste) is an excellent organic fertilizer, completing the sustainability loop.

Super Clean Flies: Unlike houseflies, adult black soldier flies don’t have functional mouthparts, so they don’t eat, sting, or spread diseases. Their sole mission is to reproduce.

Incredible Efficiency: BSFL can convert food waste into body mass at a rate 3 times faster than pigs or chickens—an impressive feat of bio-efficiency!

Global Reach: Black soldier flies are native to warm, tropical climates, but their farming has now expanded globally due to their benefits in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.

Space Age Potential: NASA has explored using BSFL as a potential food source for astronauts on long space missions due to their high nutrient density and minimal farming requirements.

A Natural Part of Fish Diets: BSFL are similar to many insects that fish would naturally eat in the wild, making them an instinctive and palatable choice for all aquatic species.

Eco-Friendly Protein of the Future: BSFL farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 47% compared to conventional protein sources, such as soy or fishmeal.

Larval Love for Leftovers: BSFL can thrive on various organic waste streams, including coffee grounds, brewery by-products, and even spoiled fruits and vegetables.

Insect Warriors: Their antimicrobial peptides are so potent that they are being researched for use in human medicine as an alternative to antibiotics.

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FAQ

Are Black Soldier Fly Larvae just another pest?

No. Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) are non-pest insects. Unlike houseflies, adult black soldier flies don’t eat or spread diseases because they lack functional mouthparts. They are clean, harmless, and highly beneficial for sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.

Do Black Soldier Fly Larvae have the same nutritional value as traditional feed ingredients?

Yes—and often more. BSFL are rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and antimicrobial peptides. These nutrients rival or exceed what’s found in many conventional feed ingredients.

Curious about this Ingredient?

Drop us a line - our team is always happy to help!