A plant-based omega-3 from microalgae with 195 mg EPA and 390 mg DHA per two softgels; a clean fish-free option, but you pay more per gram than for fish oil.
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Last reviewed September 29, 2026 by the Nutrition Reviews Editorial Team · How we review
Our verdict
A well-made, transparent algae oil that gives vegans and vegetarians a real source of preformed EPA and DHA, with a DHA-leaning profile. It is noticeably more expensive per gram than fish oil and lighter on EPA, so it makes the most sense for people who avoid fish rather than as a general-purpose omega-3.
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Key ingredients at clinically studied doses, and how strong the evidence is.
Third-party testing and certifications, manufacturing standards, contaminant testing, recall history.
Cost per effective serving compared with category peers.
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Full label disclosure (no proprietary blends), available COAs, honest marketing.
Algae Omega is Nordic Naturals' fish-free omega-3 for vegetarians and vegans. Instead of fish oil it uses oil from the microalga Schizochytrium, the kind of organism fish ultimately get their EPA and DHA from. Two softgels provide 715 mg of total omega-3s in triglyceride form, including 195 mg EPA and 390 mg DHA (585 mg combined). That is a meaningful dose for people who eat no seafood, because plant foods supply ALA, which the body converts to EPA and DHA only in small amounts, but it is lower in EPA than most fish oils.
The formula is simple: algal oil blended with high-oleic sunflower oil and protected by rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate, in a plant-based softgel made from modified cornstarch and carrageenan. Nordic Naturals says every batch of its algae oil is tested by a third-party lab for environmental toxins including heavy metals, that certificates of analysis are available for any product, and that its products are made in compliance with GMPs. SGS Nutrasource lists Algae Omega under its IGEN non-GMO program; it is not enrolled in the IAOS algae-oil certification.
Buyers mostly praise the lack of fishy taste and the easy-to-swallow softgels, though a minority report nausea or headaches, and the Amazon listing averages 4.6 stars from about 3,600 ratings. Cost is the main drawback: about $40 for 120 softgels (60 servings) works out to roughly $0.67 per day, or about $1.14 per gram of EPA+DHA, roughly three times what value fish oils cost. People who avoid carrageenan should note it is in the capsule shell, and the label advises consulting a physician if you take medications such as blood thinners.
| Key ingredient | Per serving | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) The dominant omega-3 in this algal oil; structural fat in brain and retina. | 390 mg | The dominant omega-3 in this algal oil; structural fat in brain and retina. |
| EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) Lower than in most fish oils; combined EPA+DHA is 585 mg. | 195 mg | Lower than in most fish oils; combined EPA+DHA is 585 mg. |
| Total omega-3s (triglyceride form) From Schizochytrium sp. microalgae rather than fish. | 715 mg | From Schizochytrium sp. microalgae rather than fish. |
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 2 Soft Gels
Servings Per Container 60
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. † Daily Value not established.
Other ingredients: Marine algal oil (Schizochytrium sp. extract, high-oleic sunflower oil, rosemary extract [a natural preservative], natural mixed tocopherols [antioxidants], ascorbyl palmitate), soft gel capsule (modified cornstarch, glycerin, carrageenan, sorbitol, water, carob color).
Label states: no gluten, milk derivatives, or synthetic dyes.
Testing & quality
Says products are third-party tested for purity and freshness, with certificates of analysis available; fish oils are Friend of the Sea certified and many products hold SGS Nutrasource IGEN non-GMO certification. Its fish oils are not listed in the IFOS program.
Goals it supports
Independent creators reviewing Algae Omega on TikTok and YouTube.
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