Omega-3 & fish oil
Fish and algae oils judged on freshness, purity and the EPA and DHA you actually get.
What we look for
We look for
- Independent testing: IFOS or an equivalent program, with a lot report you can open.
- Freshness: oxidation (TOTOX) at or under the GOED limit of 26.
- Stated EPA and DHA: milligrams of each per serving, with the serving size, not just “fish oil” or “total omega-3”.
- A named source: the fish species and a sustainability certification, or for algae oil, the organism.
- Dated and fresh-smelling: a lot or best-by date, and softgels that do not smell rancid.
We avoid
- “Total omega-3” with no EPA and DHA breakdown.
- Capsules that smell strongly rancid or taste of old fish.
- Bargain bottles with no lot-level test report.
- High doses without checking with a clinician first if you take blood thinners or have atrial fibrillation.
Read the research
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9 products · best rated first
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Barlean’sBarlean’s Ideal Omega 3 (Orange)
A one-a-day fish oil from Alaska pollock with IFOS lot reports on file (TOTOX 7.34 in the lot we read) and an MSC listing. One softgel has 1,000 mg of EPA plus DHA, and it costs about twice as much per 500 mg as the budget IFOS oils. IFOS (Nutrasource): lot 26002413, TOTOX 7.34 · MSC chain-of-custody (company-level; walleye pollock) -
CarlsonCarlson Elite Omega-3 Gems
A high-strength fish oil (1,400 mg of EPA plus DHA in two softgels) listed in the IFOS fish oil registry. That is well above our general-health dose, and the oil’s form is not stated. Listed in the IFOS fish oil program: lot SB017377, TOTOX 17.74 (IFOS limit 19.5) -
MomentousMomentous Omega-3
A high-dose fish oil (1,600 mg of EPA plus DHA in two softgels) listed with both IFOS and NSF Certified for Sport. IFOS lot 18498 had TOTOX 6.94. It costs about twice as much per dose as the budget IFOS oils. NSF Certified for Sport (listed in NSF’s directory) · IFOS (Nutrasource): lot 18498, TOTOX 6.94 -
Sports ResearchSports Research Alaskan Omega-3 Fish Oil (Triple Strength)
A one-softgel fish oil from single-source Alaska pollock, with IFOS lot reports on file (TOTOX 5.64 in the lot we read). It is a concentrate, close to twice the 250 to 500 mg a day in our dosing guide. IFOS (Nutrasource) · IGEN non-GMO tested (Nutrasource) · MSC chain-of-custody (company-level; walleye pollock) -
Sports ResearchSports Research Vegan Algae DHA 700
A vegan DHA from algae (Schizochytrium) with an IAOS lot report on file (TOTOX 9.00). It is DHA only, 700 mg a softgel, with no EPA. The lot we read tested at 817 mg of DHA. IAOS (Nutrasource, algae oil program): lot S26E017, TOTOX 9.00 · IGEN non-GMO tested (Nutrasource) -
Viva NaturalsViva Naturals Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
A concentrated, triglyceride-form fish oil with an IFOS lot report (TOTOX 4.73) and a Labdoor test (96.7 of 100). Two softgels give about 2,070 mg of EPA plus DHA, far above the usual 250 to 500 mg. IFOS (Nutrasource): lot SG26050712, TOTOX 4.73 -
Kirkland Signature (Costco)Kirkland Signature Fish Oil 1000 mg
The lowest-cost fish oil we looked at, with 250 mg of EPA plus DHA a softgel and a USP Verified claim on Costco’s page. We have not confirmed the USP listing, and no oxidation figure is published. -
Nordic NaturalsNordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
A widely sold fish oil with a clear label (650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA in two softgels). Nutrasource’s registry shows no current IFOS results for it, and we are asking Nordic for a current lot certificate with oxidation figures. IGEN non-GMO tested (Nutrasource listing) -
ThorneThorne Super EPA
A fish oil with 425 mg EPA and 270 mg DHA per gelcap, listed in NSF’s Certified for Sport directory with 18 lots. Thorne publishes no oxidation figure and does not name the fish or a sustainability certifier. NSF Certified for Sport (listed in NSF’s directory, 90 gelcaps)