Checkerspot Develops “World’s First” High-Oleic Palm Oil Alternative Made With Microalgae Fermentation

California-based biotech company Checkerspot has developed what it claims to be the world's first high-oleic palm oil alternative using microalgae fermentation. The oil closely matches the fatty acid profile of conventional high-oleic palm oil, with over 55% oleic acid and 32% palmitic acid. The fermentation process has shown scalability from laboratory to industrial levels, making it a viable alternative for various applications such as food, nutrition, and personal care.

The new palm oil alternative addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional palm oil production, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Checkerspot's clean, consistent, and scalable solution showcases the potential of microalgae to produce tailored oil compositions. The company is also working with partners in the palm oil alternatives market to move towards commercial viability, demonstrating a commitment to developing sustainable and high-performance alternative oils.