The Best Fish Oil at Costco for Better Heart Health (That Doesn’t Hurt Your Wallet)
With three popular options to choose from, here's what sets each of them apart
It’s no secret that Costco is a budget-friendly option for stocking up on your go-to medications, supplements and other medical supplies. But with so many products available, it can be hard to know what will work best for you. That was the case for one shopper who recently took to Reddit to ask for advice on the store’s Kirkland brand fish oils, wondering if they should try something new or stick with their go-to choice. If you’re in the same position, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn more about the best fish oil at Costco, according to a dietician.
Buying the best fish oil at Costco can save money
Regular Costco shoppers know that the retail chain makes it easy to buy more for less—and supplements are no exception. The store sells omega-3-rich fish oil in large quantities, which means the overall price per serving is usually lower than other grocery or drugstores.
If you shop Costco’s house brand Kirkland Signature, you’ll also be able to stock up on the fish oil you need for less. Since there is no name-brand markup, the Kirkland supplements are generally more affordable than their competitors. The good news? You’re still getting the same or similar product sold under private labels, but without the premium price tag.
Woman's World Answers
The best fish oil at Costco: 3 popular options
Fish oil is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which protect heart health, brain health and even reduce your risk of osteoporosis, so it makes sense that so many people supplement with it. If you’re looking to start buying your fish oil from Costco, you may be wondering which of the retailer’s three most popular fish oil products is the best fit for you and your health needs.
“The key difference between Kirkland Krill Oil, Wild Alaskan Fish Oil and Signature Fish Oil is the amount of EPA and DHA you actually get per capsule, since these omega‑3s drive cardiovascular and metabolic benefits,” explains Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian. Most people will want to aim for about 750 to 800 mg of EPA plus DHA in their fish oil supplements.
Here’s a breakdown of what each of these supplements provides:
Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Fish Oil
Made in the U.S. from sustainably wild-caught Alaskan fish, each of these 1,400-mg softgels is both cold-pressed and extra virgin. This type of fish oil is formulated to support healthy triglycerides with the normal range.
Something to keep in mind with this variety: Wild Alaskan Fish Oil contains 1,400 mg of total fish oil, but only about 230 mg of that is EPA and DHA per softgel, along with natural vitamins A, D and a broader omega profile from sustainably sourced, cold‑pressed fish,” she shares.
The cost: 230 softgels for $26.99.
Kirkland Signature Krill Oil
Though not considered fish oil (krill is a small sea crustacean), this supplement is still a popular choice for shoppers. These once-per-day, 500-mg softgels are sourced from 100 percent Antarctic krill and contain omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids and astaxanthin. Though they are advertised as being beneficial for a healthy heart, the reality may be a bit more complex.
“Kirkland Krill Oil supplies a relatively small amount of EPA and DHA per softgel, so it works better as a general wellness option than for reaching therapeutic heart or triglyceride targets,” says Routhenstein.
The cost: 180 softgels for $29.99.
Kirkland Signature Fish Oil
The cheapest of the three options, this oil is sourced from wild-caught ocean fish and has been purified to remove mercury. Like the other supplements, the omega-3 fatty acids in the 1,000-mg softgels are favorable for a healthy heart.
“Costco’s Signature Fish Oil provides about 250 mg EPA and DHA per capsule and is purified for contaminants, making it the most straightforward and cost‑effective choice to reach roughly 500 to 1,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA for heart health or triglyceride lowering,” suggests Routhenstein.
The cost: 400 softgels for $17.99
How to take Costco’s fish oil supplements safely
A healthy diet rich in omega-3s is one of the best ways to get these essential fatty acids, but many medical experts still agree that supplements are an acceptable option too. If you are not a fan of the taste of seafood, fish or krill oil softgels can be a good alternative. You’ll still receive the benefits as long as you focus on supplements with DHA and EPA like the Costco varieties above. These are the types of omega-3 fatty acids your body can most readily use.
Before you begin taking supplements, however, it’s smart to figure out just how much your body needs. “To personalize your dose, you can measure your omega‑3 index with a blood test and supplement with the appropriate dose to reach your target level,” says Routhenstein. “It is also important to review this with your healthcare provider to account for potential interactions with your medications and overall cardiometabolic risk.”
With this information in mind, you have the confidence to buy the Costco fish oil that is best for your health—and your wallet!
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
