Kosher fish oil and omega-3

By the KosherVitamins.com team · Updated November 6, 2026

Omega-3 supplements are among the most popular vitamins, and among the trickiest to keep kosher. Here is what makes a fish oil kosher and what the F on the label means.

What omega-3s are

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the main omega-3 fats are ALA (from plants such as flaxseed) and EPA and DHA (mainly from fish and seafood); the body converts only small amounts of ALA into EPA and DHA. Supplements come as fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil and algal oil, the vegetarian option.

Which fish are kosher

The Torah's test for kosher fish is fins and scales (Leviticus 11:9-12). Fish commonly used for fish oil, such as anchovy, sardine, herring, salmon, cod, and most common tuna and mackerel species, are kosher species. Shark and all shellfish are not.

Krill oil is not kosher

Krill are crustaceans, so rabbinic authorities advise against krill oil. Choose fish oil from kosher species or algae instead.

Why fish oil still needs certification

Even when the main fish is kosher, the catch can include non-kosher fish, and processing plants may handle non-kosher species. The OK says fish oil capsules taken as a nutritional supplement need a hechsher, even in vegetarian capsules, because some fish oils come from non-kosher fish and the equipment must be checked (if a doctor prescribes one, ask your rav). In one OU-certified fish oil plant, a rabbi supervises the extraction on site, non-kosher bycatch entering extraction must be zero, shared equipment is fully kosherized, and containers and equipment are sealed.

Softgels

Most fish oil comes in softgels, which are usually gelatin. Kosher fish oil uses kosher fish gelatin or kosher bovine gelatin, or a vegetarian softgel. See our guide to capsules and gelatin.

Fish and meat

The Shulchan Aruch says fish and meat are not eaten together, and the custom is to be strict about this. That is why the OU marks products containing fish as OU-F (or OU-Fish): they should not be eaten together with meat, though they may be eaten with dairy (many Sephardim avoid fish with dairy; follow your custom). Authorities differ about very small amounts of fish (less than 1/60) in a food, which is why some agencies label products with tiny amounts of fish omega-3 differently. If you have questions about taking a fish oil softgel close to a meat meal, ask your rabbi.

Vegan omega-3 from algae

Algal oil provides DHA and often EPA without fish, and is a good choice for vegetarians and people who prefer to avoid fish. Vegan does not automatically mean kosher, so look for a kosher symbol on algae products as well.

Checklist

• A reliable kosher symbol, usually with F or Fish.
• Kosher fish species (anchovy, sardine, mackerel and similar); no krill or shark.
• Kosher softgel (kosher fish gelatin or vegetarian), or a liquid.
• For children, kosher chewables or liquids made for kids.

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Frequently asked questions

More guides

• Kosher certification symbols on vitamins and supplements
• How to tell if a vitamin or supplement is kosher
• Kosher capsules and gelatin: softgels, veggie caps and fish gelatin
• Kosher for Passover vitamins and supplements
• Kosher probiotics: dairy vs. pareve
• Kosher vitamin D: D3, D2 and vegan options
• Is glucosamine kosher? Shellfish vs. vegetarian glucosamine

Sources

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: omega-3 fatty acids
• Chabad.org: all about kosher fish
• Kosher Australia: common kosher and non-kosher fish
• OK Kosher: consumer questions (fish oil capsules)
• OU Kosher: making fish oil kosher
• OU Kosher: fish and meat
• cRc: fish and meat
• Yeshiva.co: krill oil
• OK Kosher: a closer look at gelatin