Omega-3 comparison

Fish Oil vs Algae Omega-3

Source, EPA/DHA labels, dietary preferences and value.

Last reviewed September 28, 20262 referencesNo universal winner
Quick answer

Both provide the long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA. Fish oil usually has more EPA than DHA and is typically cheaper per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA. Algae oil is fish-free and suitable for many vegans; it’s often DHA-dominant and usually costs more. Algal DHA raised blood DHA comparably to salmon in a controlled study. Whichever you compare, add the EPA and DHA lines — ignore the total oil number.

SuppScout calculation

What you actually pay

Omega-3 cost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA
ProductFormatPer servingServingsPriceCost / servingCost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHAOther ingredients
Harbor & Pine Triple Strength Omega-3
Harbor & Pine · demo
Softgels
2 softgels
1,100 mg EPA + DHA 45 $27.99* $0.62 $0.57 4
Northfield Labs Fish Oil 2,000 mg
Northfield Labs · demo
Softgels
2 softgels
600 mg EPA + DHA 60 $22.99* $0.38 $0.64 5
Verdana Botanicals Algae Omega-3
Verdana Botanicals · demo
Softgels
2 softgels
600 mg EPA + DHA 30 $29.99* $1.00 $1.67 6

SuppScout calculation Sorted by cost per 1,000 mg epa + dha. * Demonstration prices from fictional listings, used to show the calculation — not current market prices.

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Fish Oil vs Algae Omega-3
CompareFish oilAlgae oil
SourceFatty fish (anchovy, sardine, mackerel…)Cultivated microalgae
Typical EPA:DHAFrom product labelMore EPA than DHAOften more DHA than EPA
DietaryNot vegetarian; fish allergenOften vegan (check softgel material)
ResearchPublished researchMost omega-3 trials used fish oilAlgal DHA comparable to salmon for raising blood DHA
Common oil formsTriglyceride, ethyl ester, rTGUsually triglyceride
Cost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA (demo)SuppScout calculationBased on fictional demonstration listings$0.57–$0.64 (demo)$1.67 (demo)
Taste / “fish burps”More commonly reportedLess fishy, not always absent

Rows marked with a source type show where the information comes from. See how SuppScout compares.

Who might look at each

Fish Oil

  • People focused on cost per 1,000 mg EPA + DHA

Algae Omega-3

  • Vegetarians and vegans
  • People avoiding fish or with fish allergy concerns

These describe common reasons people consider each option — not a recommendation. There’s no universal winner.

Fish Oil and Algae Omega-3, explained

Fish Oil

Oil from fatty fish; the most common omega-3 supplement. Fish oil overview.

Algae Omega-3

Oil grown from microalgae, the original source of fish omega-3s. Algae oil overview.

Key differences

  • Algae oil is fish-free and often vegan.
  • Fish oil usually has more EPA; algae more DHA.
  • Fish oil is usually cheaper per 1,000 mg.

Similarities

  • Both provide EPA and DHA.
  • Both should be compared by EPA + DHA per serving.
Published research

Research overview

Most clinical research on omega-3 supplements used fish oil or prescription fish-derived products. A controlled trial showed algal-oil DHA capsules and cooked salmon produced equivalent increases in blood DHA.[1][2]

How to read product labels

  • Add EPA and DHA; ignore the front “fish oil mg” number.
  • Check softgel material for vegan products.
  • Look for allergen statements.

Full guide: how to read a supplement label

Products containing each

Fish Oil

Primary ingredient
Fish Oil
Per serving
1,100 mg EPA + DHA
Servings
45
Format
Softgels
Price
$27.99*
Per serving cost
$0.62
Not verified

Northfield Labs Fish Oil 2,000 mg

Northfield Labs · Demo
Primary ingredient
Fish Oil
Per serving
600 mg EPA + DHA
Servings
60
Format
Softgels
Price
$22.99*
Per serving cost
$0.38
Manufacturer claim only
Fish Oil overview →

Algae Omega-3

Verdana Botanicals Algae Omega-3

Verdana Botanicals · Demo
Primary ingredient
Algae Omega-3
Per serving
600 mg EPA + DHA
Servings
30
Format
Softgels
Price
$29.99*
Per serving cost
$1.00
Not verified
Algae Omega-3 overview →

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Frequently asked questions

Is algae omega-3 vegan?

The oil is. The softgel may be gelatin (not vegan) or plant-based — check the other ingredients.

References

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment
  2. Arterburn LM, Oken HA, Bailey Hall E, et al. (2008). Algal-oil capsules and cooked salmon: nutritionally equivalent sources of docosahexaenoic acid. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 108(7). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govRandomized trial

SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.

This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.