The 9 Best Vegan Omega 3 Supplements Without Fish Oil
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We’ve researched and tested dozens of vegan omega 3 supplements —these are our top picks made from clean ingredients with no fishy aftertaste.
Omegas have been studied for years for their numerous health benefits. Studies have found that with consistent consumption of omegas— depression, anxiety, inflammation, and a variety of other health conditions can be significantly reduced. Under the umbrella of omega fatty acids, there are 11 different types, but out of those 11, there are three that are the most common: ALA, EPA, and DHA.
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ALA is found in dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, as well as in flax and chia seeds. A small percentage of ALA gets converted into EPA and DHA to be used by the body.
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EPA helps to reduce inflammation in the body and is most often found in fish oil but is also found in algae.
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DHA is a compound that helps with brain function and can actually reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. DHA is found in fish, but is also in algae.
Where does vegan omega 3 come from, and why should you consider it?
Vegan omega 3 commonly comes from algae oil that’s extracted from marine algae. This plant-based organism naturally produces omega 3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA. If you’ve ever wondered how fish get their omega 3’s, it’s through consuming phytoplankton that consumes micro algae! Vegan omega 3 supplements will provide you with your EPA and DHA needs, straight from the source. Flaxseed oil and chia seeds are also common vegan sources of ALA, however since only a tiny amount gets converted into usable forms of DHA and EPA in the body, it may not be enough to only rely on these sources for your omega 3 needs.
By choosing vegan omega 3 supplements, you’ll be consuming in a more sustainable way, as traditional fish oil supplements can contribute to overfishing and environmental concerns. Vegan omega 3 is also free of possible contaminants like mercury and PCB, which you won’t be exposed to unlike omega 3 from fish oil.
We are told that the best way for us to consume omegas is from fish oil; however, we can get the same benefits from plants like algae, flax oil, hemp seeds, chia, and even brussel sprouts. We’ve researched and tested several vegan omega 3 supplements and have narrowed down our selections to seven supplements that are not only vegan, but also made sustainably to deliver our bodies pure omegas from the magic of plants.
Our criteria:
- EFFECTIVE VEGAN FORMULATIONS | These omega 3 supplements are 100 percent vegan and 100 percent effective in delivering usable EPA and DHA to the body.
- NATURAL & CLEAN INGREDIENTS | Each formula is free of harmful and unnecessary ingredients including fillers, binders, mercury, or other contaminants.
- TASTE & EASE OF DIGESTION | No fish burps here! These supplements are easy to take and offer a pleasant taste. They also won’t wreak havoc on the gut.
Once you’ve found your everyday vegan omega 3 supplement, be sure to stock up on natural multivitamins, probiotics, and magnesium supplements!
**This review is not health advice. Please talk to your OBGYN or healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your diet.
Best Overall | Best Taste | Most Affordable
1. Needed
Vegan Ingredients | Omega 3s sourced from vegan & sustainable microalgae, tested for heavy metals and contaminants
Features | Contains bioavailable omega 3 (DHA + EPA), choline, lutein & zeaxanthin for optimal nutrient delivery & oxidation prevention
Price | $50/month; discounted subscriptions available (10%+ off)
Needed is on a mission to provide parents-to-be with nourishing supplements. Their supplements contain critical nutrients that many women are deficient in throughout their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys — and that men require to support libido and sperm health. Both women and men’s omega 3 supplements include sustainably sourced omega 3s, and a number of antioxidants—so you can get all the benefits! If you have trouble swallowing capsules, Needed’s supplements are smaller than standard fish oil capsules, and have a neutral taste making for easy consumption.
Needed Review | “Needed.’s Omega-3 softgel is the best of both worlds–it’s high quality and high potency, while also being easy to swallow with no burping up fish flavor. I had a chance to try it before it was released and am so excited to have a shelf stable option to recommend that can easily be taken on the go or set into weekly supplement organizers—no more forgetting it in the fridge! It’s my new favorite option and I highly recommend it!” – Dr. Morgan M., Naturopathic Doctor [See all reviews]
2. Ritual
Vegan Ingredients | Gluten & major allergen free, no artificial colorants, non-GMO, USP verified
Features | Made Traceable, patented beadlet in oil technology, published clinical study, delayed-release capsule
Price | $33–$39/month; subscriptions available
Ritual makes it easy to get all your essential nutrients, with a multivitamin that contains 9 supplements. Ritual’s supplements are made with ingredients that are completely traceable, and their multivitamin for women provides vegan-certified omega 3 DHA alongside other essential nutrients. What makes this brand special is its patented beadlet in oil technology, which combines dry and oily ingredients in one capsule. Talk about efficiency!
Ritual Review | “I’ve been struggling with finding a multivitamin that checks all the boxes and one I can remember to take. I saw a deal Ritual had going on and figured why not? I am so glad I did! The ingredients are fantastic and the minty taste makes it easy to swallow. I am finishing up my second bottle (that says a lot!) and I can honestly say I haven’t forgotten to take it. I keep the bottle right next to my toothbrush and it has made its way into my morning routine!” – Jennie F. [See all reviews]
3. Fatty15
Vegan Ingredients | Pure pentadecanoic acid (C15:0)
Features | The first — and only — pure powder C15:0, small capsule, refillable and renewable packaging materials, science-backed, patented
Price | $120/90 days; subscriptions available
Fatty15 is a groundbreaking, science-backed, award-winning, pure C15:0 supplement that has 3x the cellular benefits of omega 3. This daily oral supplement contains the world’s first and only powder form of pure pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) — an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that stabilizes and strengthens our cells to support our long-term health and wellness. Typically found in whole-fat dairy products as well as some plants and fish, the C15:0 in Fatty15 is completely vegan, gluten-free, and made without preservatives, fillers, oil, animal byproducts, corn, soy, and artificial colors. In other words, nothing that would interfere with the powerhouse essential fatty acid, which science shows promotes healthy metabolism, balanced immunity, and better gut and heart health. Calmer mood, deeper sleep, more energy, and even healthier skin were all reported by users as additional benefits, which they saw in just six weeks.
Fatty15 Review | “I have enjoyed taking it immensely, it is easy to swallow and can be taken any time of the day. My hair is thicker and not falling out anymore. (Menopause) I feel energized and better able to deal with stress. I have seen my sleep improve. I do not take any other supplements and don’t feel I need to. I have noticed that I am able to be more present in my everyday as I am not sluggish or feel like I have brain fog. I have tried so many other supplements and have not had any where near this level of success. I will not ever be without my fatty15.” – Shannan D. [See all reviews]
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4. Nordic Naturals
Vegan Ingredients | Made from sustainably-sourced microalgae, non-GMO verified, hexane-free
Features | Higher daily dose of omega 3s than other options, certified 100% vegetarian by the American Vegetarian Association, 3rd-party purity tested
Price | $31/month; discounted subscriptions available (10% off)
Nordic Naturals commits to low-impact, earth-friendly practices, as seen in their vegetarian-certified supplement. This algae omega supplement is made from sustainably sourced micro-algae offering a high dose of omega 3s for optimal health. Boost your brain, heart, and immune health with this popular plant-based option!
Nordic Naturals Review | “Probably the number one complaint I’ve had with these types of products is burping up that awful fishy smell. This is a non-issue with this product. The shipping is quick and the quality is high. I do believe in this case you get what you pay for.” – Levi [See all reviews]
5. Garden of Life
Vegan Ingredients | Minami vegan DHA algae oil, gluten-free, no saturated fat
Features | Low levels of oxidation, undetectable levels of dioxins, pesticides, & heavy metals
Price | $40/month; discount subscriptions available (15%+ off)
Garden Of Life dedicates slow manufacturing processes for their food-based supplements. The brand uses Minami algae omega 3 in their vegan supplement, which not only uses a low-heat and hexane-free process—but also undergoes rigorous in-house and third-party testing to ensure the highest quality product. If your goal is to increase your DHA levels, this supplement has you covered! Two mini softgels contain a notable 500mg of DHA.
Garden of Life Review | “These are perfect for me because I am vegan but still want to get DHA. These dont taste bad and dont upset my stomach. Highly recommend!” – Amy B. [See all reviews]
6. Freshfield
Vegan Ingredients | Algae-based omega 3, free from gluten, peanuts & tree nuts, non-GMO
Features | Contains DPA, certified plastic-negative product, carbon-neutral
Price | $23/month; discounted subscriptions available (10% off)
Freshfield is a small Canadian brand offering an impressive (and colorful!) line of vegan supplements. Their omega 3 line of capsules absorbs 15% better than regular fish oil supplements, helping you store a higher amount of omega 3s in your body thanks to the addition of DPA. Best of all? Freshfield is 100 percent certified plastic negative!
Freshfield Review | “I have never been able to take an Omega 3 supplement as they always resulted in stomach issues and that’s only if I could get past the immediate repulsion from the fishy smell and taste. I love this supplement, there is no smell, taste nor stomach upset. I will definitely continue to be a customer.” – Karin S. [See all reviews]
7. Ora
Vegan Ingredients| Sustainably harvested algae from the North Atlantic Ocean, third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants, no fillers, carrageenan or artificial ingredients, gluten-free & soy-free
Features | Cultivated sustainably with minimal impact on the marine ecosystem, 5x more bioavailable than standard fish oil supplements
Price | $50/month; discounted subscriptions available (20% off)
Ora understands the downsides of getting your omega 3s from fish oil supplements. Most conventional fish oil supplements have fillers, preservatives, and heavy metals that unfortunately can do more harm than good. That’s why they developed a plant-based omega 3 supplement that’s clean and has the most bioavailable source of DHA omega 3 known as schizochytrium (pronounced skitz-uh-kie’-tree-um) algae. We love the simple ingredients in this supplement that keep it allergen-friendly!
Ora Review | “I feel great about taking the plant based Omega-3 supplement! Occasionally I’ll get those weird burps but this is WAY better than a standard fish oil pill! Highly recommend.” – Ali. P. [See all reviews]
8. future kind
Vegan Ingredients | Plant-derived omega 3 from algae, carrageenan-free, GMO-free, yeast-free, nut-free, soy-free, no artificial colors or preservatives
Features | Made in the USA at an FDA-registered facility, eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral shipments, B-corp company, third-party tested, proceeds support animal sanctuaries
Price | $30/2 months; discounted subscriptions available (10% off)
Being one of the more affordable options on this list, future kind offers a wide variety of sustainable vegan supplements. The omega 3 supplements are rich in essential long-chain fatty acids DHA + EPA and are sourced from algae, where fish get it in the first place. As a plus, these softgels arrive in a recyclable glass bottle and in eco-friendly packaging, minimizing the impact on the environment!
future kind Review | “I love these supplements! They smell like a bottle of oranges. I am taking these because I am vegan and I want to make sure I get enough Omega 3, and these have been great. They have no bad taste, and don’t upset my stomach.” – Michelle M. [See all reviews]
9. Calgee
Vegan Ingredients | Algal oil, omega-6 fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids (450 mg of combined DHA and EPA)
Features | Made in the USA, algae-derived, plant-based packaging that is also carbon-negative and recyclable
Price | $24/month
There’s so much to love about Calgee — starting with the fact that their vegan omega 3s derive from US-grown algae, packing a whopping 450mg EPA & DHA per serving. The carrageenan-free, easy-to-swallow mini softgels won’t give you a fishy burp or aftertaste, and are third-party tested and Vegan.org and Climate Neutral certified. We also can’t get over their cutie plant-based pouches! Their passion for algae-derived omega 3s is so inspiring –– after all, algae is where the fish get the omega 3 fatty acid from in the first place! So why not go right to the source? We love the brand’s transparency and sustainable practices, and they are definitely one of the more affordable options on the list.
Customer Review | “Absolutely thrilled with this purchase! Shipped quickly and arrived without any complications. The bundle deals are a real money-saver too. Truly love that there isn’t a fishy aftertaste. Will definitely continue to use!” – Danielle (Read more reviews.)
Featured image from Ritual
