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Informed Sport
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Fish oil is one of those supplements almost everyone is told to take, but the labels make it hard to tell a genuinely strong one from a cheap filler. The number that matters is buried on the back, and the marketing on the front rarely tells you what you are really getting. Here is how to pick a good omega-3 in NZ, and the one we lean on most.
The short answer
- Best overall omega-3: Pillar Performance Ultra Omega. High strength and Informed Sport certified, so it is batch tested.
- What decides it: the EPA and DHA per serve, not the total oil weight on the front of the tub or bottle.
- For joints and tendons too: pair your fish oil with a collagen product rather than expecting omega-3 to do everything.
- The honest bit: our omega-3 range is deliberately focused. We would rather stock one fish oil we trust than a shelf of unknowns.
What to look for in an omega-3
The front of a fish oil label often shouts a big number like 1000mg. That is the weight of the oil, not the amount of active omega-3. What you actually care about is the EPA and DHA figures, which you will find on the back panel. Two products can both say 1000mg and deliver very different amounts of the good stuff.
Purity is the second thing. Fish oil can go rancid and can carry contaminants if it is poorly sourced, so third-party testing is worth paying a little more for. A certification like Informed Sport means each batch has been tested, which matters most if you compete, but it is a good sign for anyone.
Format is the last call. Capsules are simple and taste-free. Liquid can be a cheaper route to a higher daily dose if you do not mind the flavour. The best one is the one you will take every day without thinking about it.
The best omega-3 we stock
The pick: Pillar Performance Ultra Omega
Pillar Performance Ultra Omega is the fish oil we recommend first. It is a high-strength formula from a brand built around athlete health, and it is Informed Sport certified, so every batch is tested for banned substances and quality. If you want one omega-3 and you want to stop thinking about it, this is the easy answer. It suits competitive athletes who need tested products, and it suits everyday buyers who just want a fish oil they can trust.
For joint and tendon support: Pillar Collagen Repair
If your real goal is looking after knees, elbows and tendons, omega-3 is only part of the picture. Pillar Performance Collagen Repair is a collagen product aimed at tendon and ligament support, so it is worth reading as a companion to fish oil rather than a replacement for it. To be clear, this is a collagen supplement, not an omega-3. It comes in a larger 100-serve size too if you want better value once you know you will use it.
Take the fish oil for your general omega-3 intake, and add collagen if joints and connective tissue are the specific thing you are chasing. Together they cover more ground than either one alone.
How the picks compare
| If you want | Go for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A trusted daily omega-3 | Pillar Ultra Omega | Informed Sport certified, high strength |
| Tested for competition | Pillar Ultra Omega | Batch tested for banned substances |
| Joint and tendon support | Pillar Collagen Repair | This is collagen, not fish oil |
| Best value once you commit | Pillar Collagen Repair 100 serves | Larger size, lower cost per serve |
A quick tip: take your fish oil with a meal that has some fat in it. It tends to sit better and there is less chance of a fishy aftertaste later.
Where NZ Supps fits
You will find our fish oil in the omega-3 collection, and the joint-focused options in collagen. We ship anywhere in New Zealand with free shipping over $99, and if you are building a full routine our Find Your Stack quiz will point you to the pieces that fit your training.
Want to go deeper before you buy? Our guide to omega-3 for joints explains where fish oil helps and where collagen does the heavy lifting, and fish oil versus krill oil breaks down which format is actually worth your money.
FAQ
What is the best omega-3 in NZ? For most people our pick is Pillar Performance Ultra Omega. It is a high-strength fish oil that is Informed Sport certified, so it is batch tested for banned substances. That testing is the main reason we point athletes and everyday buyers to it first.
What matters most when buying fish oil? The EPA and DHA numbers per serve, not the total fish oil weight on the front of the label. A 1000mg capsule can contain very different amounts of active omega-3. Check the EPA and DHA line on the back, and look for a product that has been third-party tested for purity.
How much omega-3 should I take a day? A common daily target people aim for is a combined EPA and DHA in the hundreds of milligrams to around a gram, depending on how much oily fish they eat. Read the label on your product and follow the serving guidance.
Are fish oil capsules better than liquid? Neither is better, it comes down to what you will actually take every day. Capsules are easy and travel well with no taste. Liquid can be a cheaper way to hit a higher dose but the flavour puts some people off. Consistency beats format every time.
Can I take omega-3 with my other supplements? Yes, fish oil sits happily alongside protein, creatine and a daily multivitamin, and many people take it with a meal to help it go down. If you also want joint and tendon support, a collagen product is a common thing to pair it with. It is a supplement, so use it alongside a good diet rather than in place of one.
