Omega-3 private label: gummies or capsules, how to choose?

Why omega-3 remains a flagship product

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are among the most purchased supplements in pharmacies and online. Everyday diets often lack oily fish, and consumers know these nutrients well. For a brand, omega-3 is both an entry product and a loyalty product: it is taken every day, all year round.

The market is competitive. Successful brands stand out through the source of the oil, the dose actually delivered, the format and a transparent label.

EPA, DHA, ALA: what are we talking about?

Omega-3 covers several fatty acids. ALA, from plants (flax, rapeseed, walnuts), is a precursor. EPA and DHA are the long-chain forms found in oily fish and in some microalgae. They carry most of the health claims authorised in the European Union.

Authorised claims and their conditions

Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 lists the authorised health claims. For omega-3, the most used are:

• EPA and DHA: contribute to the normal function of the heart, with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
• DHA: contributes to maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision, with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
• ALA: contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, from 2 g of ALA a day.

Fish oil or algal oil

Fish oil is the classic, most common and most affordable source. Algal oil provides DHA, and often EPA, from a non-animal source, for consumers who avoid fish products. The source changes the price, the taste, the EPA and DHA content and your brand story. In both cases we select oils supplied with certificates of analysis, including oxidation and contaminants.

Gummies or capsules: which format?

Both formats have their audience. The right choice depends on the target dose and your customers.

• Pectin-based gummies: pleasant to take and gelatin-free, they attract consumers who dislike swallowing capsules, and families. Each gummy carries less omega-3, so several gummies are often needed to reach the 250 mg that unlock the claims.
• Capsules: the reference format for omega-3, neutral in taste and suited to higher doses. We make capsules in sizes 1, 0 and 00.
• Combinations: omega-3 with vitamin D, vitamin E or magnesium for a more complete formula.

Two technical challenges: taste and oxidation

Omega-3 oils oxidise with air, heat and light. An oxidised oil has a strong fishy taste and smell. Formulation protects the oil, flavouring masks its taste, especially in gummies, and packaging limits exposure to air. Stability tests then set a realistic shelf life.

Launch your omega-3 as private label

You can start from one of our standard formulas or have our R&D team develop a custom formula. We check the status of every ingredient, calculate the EPA and DHA content per serving and prepare a compliant label. See our omega-3 private label manufacturer page, as well as our gummies and capsules pages.