Do you want a dose of wellness in the form of excellent quality fish oil at Costco? Today’s blog post is for you.
Here I’ll compare the top 4 best fish oils available at Costco. It’s not a simple review article, but I’ll compare each fish oil for total amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.
It’ll help you know how much you get with each 100 mg of oil. This overview of Omega 3 fatty acids’ quantity will help you determine the actual value you get for the paid price.
Besides this, you’ll also learn how to choose the best fish oil through the buyer guide. So keep on reading to make the most informed and affordable choice.
Best Wild Alaskan and Wild Salmon Oil at Costco
Here is the review of the top 4 first-rated fish oils at Costco.
1. Nature’s Bounty Fish Oil 1400 Mg Richest Fish Oil
Nature’s Bounty Fish Oil in 1400 mg per soft gel is a solid choice for those looking to boost their overall health with the most omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients from fish oil. It’s a combination of fish oil that comprises anchovy, sardines, herring, and mackerel oil.
The dosage is great for the overall amount of DHA and EPA. Each soft gel packs a punch with 1400 mg of fish oil.
It offers you an excellent amount of omega-3 fatty acids: 1400 mg capsule supplies you 980 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, of which 253 mg is DHA and 647 mg of EPA. So, for each 100 mg of fish oil, you get 70 mg of Omega 3s.
This value is about 3x more than all other fish oils reviewed in this article. Still, considering the price, this value is about 2x more than any other fish oil discussed in this article. So, it’s just half the price of other fish oils.
(I have made this calculation more precise so that you can compare this oil with other options).
Such a higher quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids means more cardiovascular and cognitive health.
When it comes to consumption, these soft gels are easy to swallow. You won’t have any issues with fishy aftertaste, a common concern with other fish oil supplements. That’s a big plus for me because who wants to deal with fishy burps, right?
Overall, Nature’s Bounty Fish Oil 1400 mg is a convenient and effective way to get your daily dose of omega-3s.
Pros
- Contains the highest quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids: 98 mg for 100 or 98%.
- Softgels are easy to swallow.
- Affordable and widely available at Costco
- Gluten-free
- No mercury
- Cold pressed
- USP certified for quality assurance
- USA made
- It has no shellfish.
Cons
- The soft gels are large, which can be difficult for some people to swallow.
- Such higher doses can be problematic to digest
- Not halal
2. Kirkland Signature as Best Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 1400 mg
If you’re looking for a cost-effective Omega 3 option to supplement yourself with wild Alaskan fish oil, Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil in 1400 mg dosage is for you. This salmon, cod, and pollack fish oil blend saves you about 70% of the price compared to Costco’s famous Pure Alaska Omega Wild Salmon Oil.
Yet, undeniably, these fish oil capsules are the cheapest. Each soft gel costs you about $0.10–only 1 cent. Health!
Let’s discuss the most important factor: the actual value of Omega 3s in these capsules. With a 1400 mg capsule, you get 330 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, which makes 23.5 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids per 100mg oil–23%. If you compare it with the pricier option of Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, the amount is a bit high. At the same time, it has 70% less Omega 3 value than Nature’s Bounty Fish Oil.
But the price isn’t the only winning point of this oil. It’s the quality which is most satisfactory.
So, apart from the fact that it’s not 100% salmon oil but combination oil, I recommend it for the overall value and affordability.
Let’s know about the quality. This fish oil has been sourced from nature and extracted using a cold-press extraction process. Therefore this extra virgin fish oil is nutrient-rich and causes less or no bumps or bad fishy taste.
I would like to mention that the Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil is gluten-free. So, you can have it if you’re allergic to gluten. Likewise, they’re easy to swallow and digest, thanks to the purity of extra virgin fish oil.
To summarize, to give your heart the support it deserves, Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 1400 mg can make a healthy choice!
Pros
- Contains higher levels of EPA and DHA than other fish oils
- Contains Alaskan wild salmon oil
- Third-party tested for purity and potency.
- Affordable.
- USP Verified for the quality
- Extra virgin cold-pressed oil has preserved nutrients
- Easy to swallow
- Mercury-free
- No bad taste or burps
Cons
- Not pork free
- It is not 100% salmon oil but a combination of cod, pollock, and salmon.
3. Pure Alaska Omega Wild Salmon Oil 1000 mg as Best Salmon Oil
Pure Alaska Omega Wild Salmon Oil, packed with the goodness of wild-caught Alaskan salmon, makes a valuable addition to your daily routine. Compared with any other fish supplements you can get at Costco, it’s known for its 100% salmon oil content and premium quality.
What does that mean?
First, it’s the cold-pressed, extra virgin, 100% wild Alaskan salmon oil. So, it’s loaded with the goodness that Alaskan salmon offers you.
A single capsule of 1000 mg gets you 110 mg DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and 90 mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid). For each 100 mg of salmon oil, you get 20 mg of Omega 3s: 11 mg of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and 9 mg of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).
Let’s come to the most concerning part: the ease of swallowing, the aftertaste, and the ease of digestion. These Pure Alaska Omega Salmon Oil capsules are not oversized, making them easy to wallow. And after eating the supplement. Furthermore, they don’t cause any burping or bad aftertaste. The reason is the purity of oil–impure fish oil is more likely to trouble digestion.
The only downside of these fish oil capsules is their relatively higher price than Kirkland Signature Fish Oil. For 210 soft gel capsules, you pay $22, which means each capsule costs you $0.11 or 1 cent.
Put, Pure Alaska Omega Wild Salmon Oil is an effective way to boost your omega-3 intake and promote heart and brain health.
Pros
- Contains high levels of EPA and DHA
- Made from wild-caught Alaskan salmon, a sustainable source of fish oil.
- Third-party tested for purity and potency.
- Purified oil is less likely to cause fishy burps.
- Mercury-free
- Pork-free
- Made in USA
- USP Verified for adequacy of nutrients
Cons
- It may be more expensive than other fish oil supplements.
4. Kirkland Signature Fish oil 1000mg, as Best Combination Fish Oil
Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil is Costco’s most affordable fish oil. Compared with Pure Alaska Omega fish oil capsules, the fish oil costs you about $0.043, or half a cent (though it’s not 100% salmon oil).
Is the price making this fish oil stand out among many other supplements?
No! It’s the quality of fish oil.
The fish oil is sourced from deep cold ocean waters fishes like anchovy, herring, mackerel, and sardines. That means you get the goodness of fish thriving in their natural habitat.
A 100 mg dose serves as a natural solution to your Omega-3 needs. And, you get a higher amount of 250 mg of DHA and EPA. Thus you get about 25 mg Omega 3 fatty acids for each 100 mg of oil.
This amount is again higher than compared with pure Alaskan salmon fish oil. So, this oil gets a higher Omega 3 fatty acids value for such a low price.
Kirkland Signature fish oil’s most admirable aspect is it’s gluten-free. So, it’s the best choice to accommodate various dietary preferences.
Besides this, I like that Costco doesn’t take chances with your health. Their advanced purification processes remove harmful elements like mercury to get you pure, clean fish oil. This purification ensures the oil is easy to digest with no bad aftertaste.
In a nutshell, Kirkland Signature Fish oil is your affordable companion on your journey towards a healthy heart, happy mind, and active joints.
Pros
- Contains high levels of EPA and DHA for excellent health support
- Third-party tested for purity and potency.
- Affordable
- Gluten-free
- Mercury-free
- No bad aftertaste or burping
- Easy to swallow
Cons
- Not halal
- Not cold pressed
So, Which is the Best Fish Oil at Costco?
All discussed oils in this article are best for one or other reason, yet they have limitations too. For example:
- Nature’s Bounty is the best fish oil at Costco for its highest amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids, yet the company hasn’t disclosed the fish types used as oil sources.
- Pur Alaska Salmon oil is the only option for getting salmon oil, yet the Omega 3 fatty acids’ quantity is lower than all other fish oils–all salmon oils will have almost the same quantity.
- And, with Kirkland Signature’s fish oils, you get relatively higher amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, these all are combination oils, not pure salmon.
Besides considering the Omega 3 fatty acids, you can also consider other factors when choosing the fish oil, like gluten status and inclusion of pork ingredients (if you want to go pork-free).
How to Choose the Right Fish Oil Supplement?
Fish oil supplements can be a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids to offer you many health benefits. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing.
Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the best fish oil supplement for your needs:
Identify Your Omega-3 Needs
Look for supplements that contain both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These two main types of omega-3s offer the most health benefits. Determine your specific health goals.
Quality Matters
Choose a high-quality supplement. You can check the brand’s trustworthiness and its certifications from organizations like the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) or the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for added quality assurance.
Purity and Safety
Check for supplements that are molecularly distilled or purified to remove contaminants. It ensures you get a pure product with minimal toxins. In this regard, choosing the oil obtained from pure water is also essential, with minimum contaminated fish like wild-caught from cold water.
Likewise, look for supplements free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Dosage and Concentration
Consider the concentration of omega-3s in each serving. Higher concentration means you may need to take fewer capsules to achieve your desired daily intake. For this purpose, consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist to determine the right dosage for your specific needs. Individual requirements can vary.
Freshness and Expiry Date
Always check the expiration date on the bottle. Expired supplements may not provide you with the health benefits you’re looking for. Some supplements may include a production or freshness date to ensure you’re getting a product at its peak.
Form and After Taste
Fish oil supplements come in various forms, including soft gels, capsules, and liquids. So, choose a form that’s easy for you to take regularly. If you’re sensitive to fishy aftertastes, consider enteric-coated capsules or supplements with added natural flavorings.
Price and Value
Compare prices and the number of servings per container to determine the best value for your budget. Remember that higher-quality supplements may come with a slightly higher price tag.
Environmental Concerns
If sustainability is a concern, wild-caught salmon oil is a good option, as it often comes from well-managed fisheries.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you’re undergoing some health conditions or are taking other medications, take advice from your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. They can help you with personalized guidance on choosing the right fish oil supplement.
Choosing the right fish oil supplement involves considering your health goals, product quality, dosage, and form. With a little research and guidance, you can find a supplement that supports your overall well-being effectively.
What’s the Difference Between Salmon Oil vs. Combination Fish Oil?
Regarding dietary supplements, you might have heard about wild-caught salmon oil and a combination of fish oil. These supplements offer various health benefits, but they have some key differences.
Wild-Caught Salmon Oil
Wild-caught salmon oil is a type of premium quality fish oil. It’s sourced from the flesh of wild salmon and comes from Alaskan clean and cold waters.
Wild-caught salmon oil is rich in EPA and DHA–higher than other fish oil. These omega-3s help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve cognitive function.
Combination Fish Oil
Combination fish oil is a blend of oils from cold-water fishes, like salmon, mackerel, sardines, pollock, cod, and others.
This type of fish oil provides a mix of EPA and DHA (in moderate quantity) and other omega-3s, but usually in higher quantities than salmon oil.
Besides this, combination fish oil offers a broader spectrum of omega-3s, which contribute to your overall well-being by reducing inflammation in the body.
Ultimately, you can decide between the fish oil type by considering your health goals and consulting your health care consultant.
Where are Kirkland Signature Fish Oil Sourced from?
Kirkland Signature Fish Oil is sourced from sustainably wild-caught fish in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. The fish used to make Kirkland Signature Fish Oil are salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, cod, and pollock. These fish are low in mercury and other contaminants, making them a safe and healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids.
The fish are first caught by small boats and then processed on the shore within hours of being caught. This ensures that the fish are fresh and that the omega-3 fatty acids are preserved. The fish oil is then extracted from the fish and purified using a state-of-the-art molecular distillation process known as cold press. This process removes mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants, leaving a pure and potent fish oil.
Kirkland Signature Fish Oil is certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a quality assurance program ensuring that the product meets strict purity, potency, and safety standards.
In addition to being sustainably sourced and purified, Kirkland Signature Fish Oil is also affordable. This makes it a good choice for people looking for a high-quality fish oil supplement at a reasonable price.
Why do Some Fish Oil Supplements Leave a Bad Aftertaste or Cause Burping?
Fish oil supplements tend to leave a bad aftertaste or burp because of how they’re made and the type of fats they contain. Some lower-quality supplements contain fishy impurities left during processing, which causes that fishy taste.
In contrast, high-quality supplements use better purification methods, like molecular distillation, to remove these impurities. The process gets you more pure and easy-to-digest fish oil.
Also, some people’s bodies might not digest the fats in fish oil well, leading to burping. Enteric-coated capsules can help prevent this by releasing the oil lower in your digestive tract, reducing the chance of burping.
What Other Nutrients Do You Get from Fish Oil?
Fish oil supplements provide several essential nutrients and compounds, including:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The primary nutrient in fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
- Vitamin D: Fish oil is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune system function, and overall well-being.
- Vitamin A: Some fish oil supplements contain vitamin A, which is vital for vision, skin health, and immune support.
- Astaxanthin: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant found in fish oil. It protects cells from oxidative damage and promotes skin health.
- Phospholipids: Salmon oil also contains phospholipids, which are important for cellular structure and function.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in small amounts in fish oil. It plays a role in energy production within cells and may have various health benefits.
- Protein: While the protein content in salmon oil supplements is minimal, it still contributes to your daily protein intake.
- Minerals: Trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper may be present in small amounts, providing additional health benefits.
All these nutrients found in fish oil work together to support various aspects of your health, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, immune system strength, and more.
