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Best Omega-3 Fish Oil in South Africa 2026: 9 Products Compared

Healthnews24 editorial deskUpdated 9 products compared
Answer first

The best-value omega-3 in South Africa in October 2026 is Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg (90 softgels, R195), at R7.22 per gram of EPA+DHA, the cheapest we could calculate. For fewer capsules, Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme gives 1.2 g EPA+DHA in two softgels at R8.06 per gram. We rank on Rand per gram of EPA+DHA at regular shelf price, then capsules needed for a 1 g daily dose. Expect to pay about R215–R320 a month for 1 g a day; premium imports cost more than double.

2026 at a glance: ranked on R per gram of EPA+DHA, then capsules per 1 g dose

  1. Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg 90 softgels Best value and cheapest
    300 mg EPA+DHA per softgel; R195 for 90 is R7.22 per gram, about R217 a month for 1 g a day (3–4 softgels).
  2. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme 60 softgels Best high-strength value
    600 mg EPA+DHA per softgel; R290 for 60 is R8.06 per gram, with 1.2 g in two softgels.
  3. Natroceutics (Natro) Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild 60 softgels Best wild Alaskan
    700 mg EPA+DHA per softgel from wild Alaskan pollock; R378 for 60 is R9.00 per gram.
  4. Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 90 softgels Best on special
    750 mg EPA+DHA per softgel; R516.75 special is R7.66 per gram (R10.21 at the regular R689).
  5. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Salmon Oil+ 1000 mg 90 softgels Lowest tub price
    200 mg EPA+DHA per softgel; R190 for 90 is R10.56 per gram, but 1 g needs five softgels.
  6. Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega 120 softgels Salmon oil, low dose
    382 mg EPA+DHA per two softgels; R549 for 120 is R23.95 per gram, about three times Biolife.
  7. The Real Thing Mega Omega Supreme 60 capsules DHA-led formula
    290 mg DHA per capsule, EPA not stated; R339 for 60 (R11.30 per daily dose); R per gram EPA+DHA cannot be calculated.
  8. Biomax Purest Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 60 capsules EPA and DHA not stated
    Wild Alaskan fish oil, R357.30–R397 for 60; EPA and DHA not on the listing, so cannot be compared per gram.
  9. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 60 softgels Premium import
    Described as double strength but mg not on the listing; R939 for 60 is R31.30 per daily dose.

ATP Fitness is a commercial partner of Healthnews24 and its products are featured on this site. Rankings follow our published method, and every pick, including ATP Fitness, shows its price maths and trade-offs. Disclosure and method.

Comparison table

ProductSizePriceServingsR per servingSweetenersBest for
Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg 90 softgels90 softgelsR195Faithful to Nature, Oct 202645R4.33not statedBest value and cheapest
Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme 60 softgels60 softgelsR290Dis-Chem Living Fit, Oct 202630R9.67not statedBest high-strength value
Natroceutics (Natro) Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild 60 softgels60 softgelsR378Faithful to Nature, Oct 202640R9.45not statedBest wild Alaskan
Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 90 softgels90 softgelsR516.75-R689 (special vs regular)Faithful to Nature, Oct 202690R5.74not statedBest on special
Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Salmon Oil+ 1000 mg 90 softgels90 softgelsR190Dis-Chem Living Fit, Oct 202636R5.28not statedLowest tub price
Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega 120 softgels120 softgelsR549Faithful to Nature, Oct 202660R9.15not statedSalmon oil, low dose
The Real Thing Mega Omega Supreme 60 capsules60 capsulesR339Faithful to Nature, Oct 202630R11.30not statedDHA-led formula
Biomax Purest Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 60 capsules60 capsulesR357.30-R397Faithful to Nature, Oct 202630R13.23not statedEPA and DHA not stated
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 60 softgels60 softgelsR939Faithful to Nature, Oct 202630R31.30not statedPremium import

Prices are dated retail observations (October 2026) from Faithful to Nature and Dis-Chem Living Fit, not offers. The table's R per serving uses each label's suggested daily dose, which varies from one to three softgels, so it is not like-for-like; R per gram of EPA+DHA in the text is the fair comparison. Now Foods and Biomax were on special when checked.

Judge fish oil by EPA+DHA, not by '1000 mg'

A '1000 mg fish oil' capsule contains 1 000 mg of oil, of which only part is the omega-3s that matter: EPA and DHA. In our dataset that ranged from 200 mg to 750 mg per softgel.

Product EPA+DHA per softgel Price R per gram EPA+DHA
Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg 300 mg R195 / 90 R7.22
Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 750 mg R516.75 special (R689) / 90 R7.66 (R10.21)
Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme 600 mg R289.99 / 60 R8.06
Natroceutics Pure and Wild 700 mg R378 / 60 R9.00
Dis-Chem Gold Salmon Oil+ 200 mg R189.99 / 90 R10.56
Solgar Wild Alaskan 191 mg R549 / 120 R23.95

Formula: price / (softgels x mg EPA+DHA per softgel / 1 000).

How much omega-3 do you need?

  • General health: EFSA considers 250 mg EPA+DHA a day adequate for healthy adults, which two portions of oily fish a week roughly provide.
  • Athletes and higher targets: studies commonly use 1–2 g EPA+DHA a day. The ISSN's 2025 position stand estimates about 1.4 g a day of extra EPA+DHA is needed to raise a typical omega-3 index from 4.4% to the 8% associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk.
  • Safety: EFSA concluded that supplemental EPA+DHA of up to 5 g a day raises no safety concerns for adults.

Pilchards, sardines, mackerel, snoek and salmon are good South African food sources; tinned pilchards are among the cheapest. If you eat oily fish twice a week, you may not need a supplement.

What omega-3 can and cannot do

Evidence is moderate, and the Australian Institute of Sport lists fish oil in Group B. In athletes, EPA and DHA may reduce perceived muscle soreness and support strength gains over weeks, and there is experimental interest in brain protection for contact sports such as rugby. The ISSN concluded fish oil is unlikely to build muscle in young adults. Effects on performance are inconsistent. Consistency over weeks matters more than timing; take it with a meal that contains fat.

Brand by brand

Best value and cheapest

1. Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg 90 softgels

90 softgels | R195 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R4.33

Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg gives 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA (300 mg combined) per softgel. At R195 for 90 softgels from Faithful to Nature, that is R7.22 per gram of EPA+DHA, the lowest figure in our dataset. The label dose of one to two softgels gives 300–600 mg a day, which covers general health; reaching 1 g needs three to four softgels, or about R217 a month. Choose it if price per gram matters more than capsule count.

Strengths

  • Lowest cost per gram of EPA+DHA (R7.22)
  • Low tub price (R195)
  • Flexible dosing

Trade-offs

  • Low strength: 3–4 softgels for 1 g EPA+DHA
  • Per-softgel EPA/DHA read from the listing's dose pairing
  • No third-party purity testing stated
Best high-strength value

2. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme 60 softgels

60 softgels | R290 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | R per serving: R9.67

Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme is a high-EPA oil: 510 mg EPA and 90 mg DHA (600 mg combined) per softgel. Two softgels give 1.2 g EPA+DHA, matching common sports-nutrition doses, and at R289.99 for 60 it costs R8.06 per gram, about R290 a month at two a day. It is the best balance of cost and capsule count, and it is on shelf in every Dis-Chem. The oil is from the anchovy family, in bovine gelatine capsules. No third-party purity testing is stated.

Strengths

  • 1.2 g EPA+DHA in two softgels
  • R8.06 per gram at regular price
  • Available in every Dis-Chem

Trade-offs

  • Mostly EPA, little DHA
  • Bovine gelatine capsule
  • No third-party purity testing stated
Best wild Alaskan

3. Natroceutics (Natro) Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild 60 softgels

60 softgels | R378 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R9.45

Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild uses wild-caught Alaskan pollock oil, with 400 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA (700 mg combined) per softgel, in a fish-gelatine capsule. At R378 for 60 it costs R9.00 per gram. The fish-gelatine shell makes it a pescatarian-friendly choice for people who avoid bovine gelatine. A solid mid-priced option with a high dose per capsule. Label dose is one to two softgels a day, so one softgel gives 700 mg and two give 1.4 g, close to the ISSN's estimate for raising the omega-3 index. At 1.5 softgels a day the tub lasts about 40 days.

Strengths

  • 700 mg EPA+DHA per softgel
  • Fish-gelatine capsule (no bovine gelatine)
  • Wild Alaskan source

Trade-offs

  • R9.00 per gram, about 25% more than Biolife
  • Only 60 softgels per tub
Best on special

4. Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 90 softgels

90 softgels | R516.75-R689 (special vs regular) (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R5.74

Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 is the strongest per softgel here: 500 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA (750 mg combined). On special at R516.75 for 90 it costs R7.66 per gram, but at the regular R689 it rises to R10.21, which is why we rank it below Dis-Chem Gold Supreme and Natroceutics. The oil comes from anchovy and sardine sourced in Peru and Morocco. Buy it when it is discounted, or if you want the fewest capsules for a 1.5 g dose (two softgels).

Strengths

  • 750 mg EPA+DHA per softgel
  • 90 softgels per tub
  • Good EPA:DHA balance

Trade-offs

  • R10.21 per gram at regular price
  • High upfront cost (R689 regular)
Lowest tub price

5. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Salmon Oil+ 1000 mg 90 softgels

90 softgels | R190 (Dis-Chem Living Fit, 2026-10) | R per serving: R5.28

Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Salmon Oil+ is the cheapest tub at R189.99 for 90 softgels, but each softgel gives only 120 mg EPA and 80 mg DHA (200 mg combined). That is R10.56 per gram, and reaching 1 g EPA+DHA needs five softgels a day. The label dose of two to three softgels gives 400–600 mg. Good for a low general-health dose; poor value for higher targets. Despite the salmon name, the listing describes a blend of salmon, anchovy, herring and mackerel family oils, in a bovine gelatine capsule.

Strengths

  • Lowest tub price (R189.99)
  • Halaal and sugar free per the listing

Trade-offs

  • Only 200 mg EPA+DHA per softgel
  • Five softgels for 1 g EPA+DHA
  • Mixed fish blend despite 'salmon' name
Salmon oil, low dose

6. Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega 120 softgels

120 softgels | R549 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R9.15

Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega is a whole salmon oil: two softgels give 2 400 mg salmon oil with 202 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA (382 mg combined). At R549 for 120 softgels it costs R23.95 per gram of EPA+DHA, about three times Biolife. You are paying for unconcentrated wild salmon oil. Fine for general health at 382 mg a day; expensive for anyone targeting 1–2 g. Total omega-3 is listed as 500 mg per two softgels, which includes fatty acids other than EPA and DHA.

Strengths

  • Wild Alaskan salmon oil
  • Well-known international brand
  • 120 softgels

Trade-offs

  • R23.95 per gram EPA+DHA
  • About five softgels for 1 g
DHA-led formula

7. The Real Thing Mega Omega Supreme 60 capsules

60 capsules | R339 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R11.30

The Real Thing Mega Omega Supreme lists 290 mg DHA per capsule and 1 600 mg total omega-3 per two-capsule dose, but does not state EPA. Without EPA we cannot calculate R per gram of EPA+DHA. At R339 for 60 capsules it costs R11.30 per daily dose. Ask the brand for the full EPA and DHA breakdown before comparing it on value. The 1 600 mg total omega-3 figure includes fatty acids other than EPA and DHA, so it is not comparable with the EPA+DHA figures on this page. The label dose is two capsules a day with food.

Strengths

  • DHA stated per capsule
  • Local brand, widely stocked at health shops

Trade-offs

  • EPA not stated on the listing
  • Cannot be compared per gram of EPA+DHA
EPA and DHA not stated

8. Biomax Purest Omega 3 Wild Alaskan Fish Oil 60 capsules

60 capsules | R357.30-R397 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R13.23

Biomax Purest Omega 3 is described as wild Alaskan fish oil, R397 for 60 capsules on the product page (R357.30 in a category special). The listing does not state EPA or DHA per capsule, so we cannot compare it per gram. The suggested dose is one to three softgels. Read the tub for EPA+DHA before buying. At R397 for 60 it costs R13.23 per daily dose of two softgels. Until EPA and DHA are published, products that print them are easier to judge on value.

Strengths

  • Wild Alaskan source
  • Flexible 1–3 softgel dose

Trade-offs

  • EPA and DHA not on the listing
  • Price differs between product page and category listing
Premium import

9. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 60 softgels

60 softgels | R939 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | R per serving: R31.30

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is a well-known US brand using purified anchovy and sardine oil, described as double strength. The Faithful to Nature listing does not state EPA and DHA in mg, so we cannot calculate R per gram. At R939 for 60 softgels (two a day) it costs R31.30 per daily dose, the most expensive here. If you choose it, confirm the EPA+DHA figure on the box and compare it with Now Foods or Dis-Chem Gold Supreme. In South Africa it is sold mainly through health shops such as Faithful to Nature.

Strengths

  • Established international brand
  • Purified anchovy and sardine oil

Trade-offs

  • R31.30 per day, the highest here
  • EPA and DHA not stated on the SA listing

Worked example: monthly cost for 1 g EPA+DHA a day

Product Softgels per day for about 1 g Cost per 30 days at exactly 1 g a day
Biolife Fish Oil 3–4 R217
Dis-Chem Gold Supreme 2 (gives 1.2 g) R242 (R290 at the two-softgel, 1.2 g dose)
Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 1–2 R230 on special, R306 regular
Natroceutics Pure and Wild 1–2 R270
Dis-Chem Gold Salmon Oil+ 5 R317
Solgar Wild Alaskan about 5 R719

Cost per 30 days = R per gram of EPA+DHA x 30. Softgel counts are rounded, so your real monthly spend depends on how many capsules you take.

Fish oil, heat and rancidity

Fish oil oxidises, and oxidation speeds up in heat. In a South African summer, keep the tub sealed in a cool cupboard, away from the stove and sunny windows, and never in a hot car. Refrigerating an opened tub is reasonable, especially in Durban or the Lowveld, but not essential if your kitchen stays cool. A strong rancid smell when you open the tub or bite a capsule means it has oxidised: replace it. Fishy burps are common and often settle when you take the capsules with a meal.

Safety, medication and anti-doping

  • Blood thinners: high doses may increase bleeding tendency with warfarin, aspirin or other anticoagulants; speak to your doctor first.
  • Surgery: tell your surgeon you take fish oil.
  • Fish allergy: avoid fish oil; algae oil is a plant alternative.
  • Pregnancy: speak to your doctor or midwife about dose.
  • Children and teens: food first (oily fish such as pilchards); ask a doctor before giving a supplement.

Fish oil is low risk for doping, but SAIDS strict liability applies to tested athletes and SAIDS does not approve any product. None of the products here publishes Informed Sport certification. In South Africa, fish oil may be sold as a food or a Category D health supplement; as of August 2026 SAHPRA had registered no complementary medicines.

How we compared

  1. We listed every omega-3 fish oil with a dated October 2026 price from Faithful to Nature or Dis-Chem Living Fit.
  2. Primary measure: Rand per gram of combined EPA+DHA, from the EPA and DHA per softgel on the label.
  3. Where a price was a temporary special, we ranked on the regular shelf price and show both figures.
  4. Secondary measure: softgels needed for 1 g EPA+DHA a day.
  5. Products that do not state EPA and DHA were ranked below those that do, by cost per daily dose.
  6. Rankings follow our published method. ATP Fitness, our commercial partner, does not sell omega-3 and does not appear here.

Which should you choose?

Lowest cost per gram

Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg: R7.22 per gram EPA+DHA.

1 g a day in two capsules

Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme: 1.2 g EPA+DHA per two softgels, R8.06 per gram.

Fewest capsules

Now Foods Ultra Omega 3: 750 mg per softgel; best value when on special.

No bovine gelatine

Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild: Fish-gelatine capsule, 700 mg EPA+DHA.

Low dose for general health

Dis-Chem Gold Salmon Oil+: R189.99 tub, 400–600 mg a day at label dose.

When it is not worth it

Fish oil if you eat oily fish twice a week

Two portions of pilchards, sardines, mackerel or salmon a week roughly cover EFSA's 250 mg a day adequate intake.

Products that hide EPA and DHA

If the label only says '1000 mg fish oil' or 'double strength', you cannot tell what you are paying for.

Fish oil to build muscle

The ISSN concluded fish oil is unlikely to add muscle in young adults. Use protein and training for that.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best omega-3 supplement in South Africa?

On cost per gram of EPA+DHA, Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg (R195 for 90 softgels, R7.22 per gram) was the best value in October 2026. For a 1 g dose in two capsules, Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme (R8.06 per gram) is the better daily choice.

How much omega-3 should I take a day?

EFSA considers 250 mg EPA+DHA a day adequate for general health. Athletes and people aiming to raise their omega-3 index often use 1–2 g a day; the ISSN estimates about 1.4 g a day extra is needed to move a typical omega-3 index to 8%. EFSA found up to 5 g a day raises no safety concerns for adults.

Is 1000 mg fish oil the same as 1000 mg omega-3?

No. A 1000 mg fish oil softgel contains 1 000 mg of oil, of which EPA+DHA was only 200–750 mg in the products we checked. Always compare EPA plus DHA. Dis-Chem Gold Salmon Oil+ gives 200 mg per softgel, while Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 gives 750 mg.

Should fish oil be kept in the fridge in South Africa?

It is not essential, but heat speeds up rancidity. Keep tubs sealed in a cool, dark cupboard, never in a hot car, and consider the fridge for an opened tub in a hot, humid summer. A strong rancid smell means it is time to replace it.

Can I take fish oil with blood thinners?

Speak to your doctor first. High doses of omega-3 may increase bleeding tendency when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin or antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin, and you should mention fish oil before any surgery. Lower doses taken with food are generally well tolerated.

Sources

  1. Jäger et al. 2025, ISSN Position Stand: long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (JISSN 22:2441775)
  2. EFSA (2012): EFSA assesses safety of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids
  3. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 2012, Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of EPA, DHA and DPA (EFSA Journal 10(7):2815)
  4. Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Framework: Group B
  5. SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport) FAQ: supplements, strict liability, medication check
  6. SAHPRA Guideline 7.04: Complementary Medicines, Health Supplements safety and efficacy (Mar 2022)
  7. Biolife Fish Oil 1000 mg (Faithful to Nature)
  8. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Supreme 60 softgels (Dis-Chem Living Fit)
  9. Now Foods Ultra Omega 3 (Faithful to Nature)
  10. Natroceutics Omega 3 Pure and Wild (Faithful to Nature)
  11. Dis-Chem Gold Omega 3 Salmon Oil+ 90 softgels (Dis-Chem Living Fit)
  12. Solgar Wild Alaskan Full Spectrum Omega (Faithful to Nature)
  13. The Real Thing Mega Omega Supreme (Faithful to Nature)
  14. Biomax Purest Omega 3 (Faithful to Nature)
  15. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (Faithful to Nature)

Educational information only, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease.

Cite this page: Healthnews24, “Best Omega-3 Fish Oil in South Africa 2026: 9 Products Compared”, updated 27 October 2026, https://www.healthnews24.co.za/best/best-omega-3-south-africa/. Plain-text version: /best/best-omega-3-south-africa.md