The Best Algae Omega-3
The best algae omega-3 is Momentous Vegan Omega-3, at $1.77 a day. Two capsules give 500 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA, the two omega-3s in fish oil, with no fish. It is on NSF Certified for Sport, so an outside lab tests it. Sports Research costs less but is on no testing list.
By Erin Rose Updated November 2, 2026 How we score
Our pick for: A vegan fish oil
- Per day
- $1.772 capsules: 500 mg EPA, 500 mg DHA
- A bottle
- $52.9960 capsules, 30 days, on Amazon
- Testing list
- NSF Certified for SportAlso on NSF/ANSI 173
Why we pick it It gives the most EPA and DHA a day of the vegan omega-3s here, an even split of each, from algae oil. NSF Certified for Sport tests each lot for what the label says, for contaminants and for drugs banned in sport. It also costs the least per 1,000 mg of the two tested oils.
What you give up It costs $1.77 a day. If you want a lower price, Bragg is tested too and costs less a day, with less omega-3.
The best algae omega-3 for your needs
Momentous suits most people. If you want to spend less, pick one of these.
Tested, lower price a day: Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3
Bragg gives 150 mg of EPA and 300 mg of DHA in 2 small softgels and is on NSF/ANSI 173, which checks the label and contaminants. It costs $1.00 a day, but $2.22 per 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA, against $1.77 for Momentous.
Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3
$1.00 a day · $29.99 a bottle (60 softgels, 30 days)
Lowest cost per mg: Sports Research Vegan Omega-3
Sports Research gives 630 mg of EPA and DHA in one softgel, for $0.71 per 1,000 mg, the least of any oil here. It is not on a testing list.
Sports Research Vegan Omega-3
$0.45 a day · $26.95 a bottle (60 softgels, 60 days)
What algae omega-3 is
Algae oil comes from tiny algae grown in tanks. Fish get their omega-3s by eating algae, so the oil holds the same two that matter in fish oil: EPA and DHA. It has no fish, so it suits vegans and people who want to avoid fish.
Many vegan omega-3s are mostly DHA with little or no EPA. Freshfield, for example, gives DHA only. If you want both, check the label for EPA as well as DHA.
How to choose an algae omega-3
Check EPA and DHA, not "algae oil"
The algae oil number on the front includes other fats. Look on the back for EPA and DHA in milligrams, and add them up.
Buy a bottle on a testing list
NSF/ANSI 173 checks the label and contaminants. NSF Certified for Sport also screens for drugs banned in sport.
Compare the cost of 1,000 mg
Doses differ, so compare the cost of the same amount of EPA and DHA. The table does the math.
5 algae omega-3s compared
Cheapest per 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA first, at Amazon prices checked November 6, 2026. Amazon prices change, so the order can too.
| Oil | Per 1,000 mg | Why it is or is not the pick |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Research Vegan Omega-3630 mg EPA+DHA in 1 softgel · No testing list | $0.71 | Lowest cost per mg; one softgel a day |
| Nordic Naturals Algae Omega585 mg EPA+DHA in 2 softgels · No testing list | $1.15 | Less EPA+DHA a day than our pick |
| Momentous Vegan Omega-31,000 mg EPA+DHA in 2 capsules · NSF Certified for Sport, NSF/ANSI 173 | $1.77 | Our pick: most EPA+DHA, NSF Certified for Sport |
| Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3450 mg EPA+DHA in 2 softgels · NSF/ANSI 173 | $2.22 | On NSF/ANSI 173; less omega-3 a day |
| Freshfield Vegan Omega-3225 mg DHA in 1 softgel · No testing list | $1.93 | DHA only, no EPA |
Questions people ask
Is algae oil as good as fish oil?
It holds the same two omega-3s, EPA and DHA. Fish get them by eating algae. What matters is how much EPA and DHA a day you get, so compare that number on the label.
Why not flaxseed or chia oil?
They contain ALA, a plant omega-3. Your body turns only a small share of it into EPA and even less into DHA (NIH). Algae oil gives EPA and DHA directly.
Does algae oil need the fridge?
Momentous says to keep its bottle in the fridge after opening. Heat and air make any omega-3 oil go stale faster, so keep the lid closed and follow the label.
How much EPA and DHA should I take?
NIH sets no daily amount for EPA and DHA. See our omega-3 dosage guide for the amounts studied.
How we picked
We looked for algae-oil omega-3s sold on Amazon and read each label for EPA and DHA a day. We checked each against NSF/ANSI 173, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice and USP. We ranked on a testing list first, then EPA and DHA a day, then the cost of 1,000 mg. Eat fish? See the best fish oil or the best fish oil for no fishy burps. Or see the omega-3 guide.
Sources
- Amazon listings for Momentous Vegan Omega-3, Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3, Sports Research Vegan Omega-3, Nordic Naturals Algae Omega and Freshfield Vegan Omega-3, read November 2, 2026.
- NSF Certified for Sport listing for Momentous Vegan Omega 3: nsfsport.com. NSF/ANSI 173 listings for Momentous (Vegan Omega 3) and Bragg Live Food Products (Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3 Mini Vegan Softgels): info.nsf.org. Informed Choice and USP Verified lists list none of these oils. Read November 2, 2026.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database, Bragg Marine Algae Omega-3, label 317740: dsld.od.nih.gov. 150 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA per 2 softgels.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for health professionals (ALA conversion to EPA and DHA; no set intake for EPA and DHA).