Ritual built its reputation on clean labels and a simple daily routine, so its vegan omega-3 has plenty of fans. It looks a lot like Performance Lab Omega-3 on paper: both come from algae, both use a 2:1 DHA to EPA ratio, and both keep carrageenan out of the capsule.
So where do they actually differ? The biggest gap is how much DHA and EPA you get each day, and what you pay for it. Let’s walk through it.
The Quick Verdict on Performance Lab Omega-3 vs Ritual
- Choose Performance Lab Omega-3 if you want a higher daily dose of DHA and EPA, and you care about getting more omega-3 for each dollar.
- Choose Ritual if you want the simplest routine possible, with one small capsule a day and a lower monthly price.
Ritual is easier to take and cheaper by the month. Performance Lab gives you far more omega-3 for the money you spend. Which one wins depends on whether you value convenience or dose.
Side-by-Side Comparison: DHA, EPA, Capsules, and Price
| Feature | Performance Lab Omega-3 | Ritual Vegan Omega-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Daily serving | 3 NutriGels | 1 capsule |
| Total omega-3 per serving | 990 mg | 500 mg |
| DHA per serving | 540 mg | 308 mg |
| EPA per serving | 270 mg | 154 mg |
| Combined DHA and EPA | 810 mg | 462 mg |
| DHA to EPA ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Capsule material | Pullulan (fermented tapioca), plus gellan gum, pectin, starch, and glycerin | Hypromellose (plant cellulose) |
| Carrageenan-free | Yes | Yes |
| Servings per bottle | 30 | 30 |
| Approximate price | $49 one time, $44.10 per month on a monthly subscription, or $36.75 per bottle on a four-bottle subscription | $37.50 one time plus shipping, or about $33 on subscription |
Label and price details come from each brand’s product page as of October 2026. Prices and subscription terms change, so confirm them before you buy.
How Much DHA and EPA Do You Really Get?
This is where the two products part ways. Ritual’s label shows 500 mg of total omega-3 per capsule, but DHA and EPA together add up to 462 mg. Performance Lab provides 810 mg of combined DHA and EPA in each serving, with 990 mg of total omega-3.
That means Performance Lab delivers about 75 percent more DHA and EPA every day. The extra DHA and EPA come with extra pills, because you take three softgels instead of one. If you want a higher dose without stacking multiple bottles, Performance Lab gets you there. If a small daily top-up is all you want, Ritual covers it.
The 2:1 DHA to EPA Ratio: A Tie
Both products use a 2:1 DHA to EPA ratio, so neither one can claim an edge on balance. Ritual lands at 308 mg of DHA to 154 mg of EPA, and Performance Lab at 540 mg to 270 mg.
Nobody has proven a single perfect ratio, so one would not choose between these two products based on it. The ratio is the same. What changes is how much of each fat you take in.
Capsules and Carrageenan: What Are You Swallowing?
Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener that some people prefer to avoid, and it shows up in plenty of vegan softgels. Neither product uses it, which is a point in favor of both.
The materials are different, though. Ritual uses a hypromellose capsule, a plant-cellulose shell that is common in vegan supplements. Performance Lab says its NutriGels are the first vegan softgels made from pullulan, a fiber produced by fermenting tapioca, and describes them as prebiotic. If you like the idea of that fermented tapioca shell, it is a thoughtful touch. If you only care that the capsule is plant-based and carrageenan-free, both pass.
Does Algae Omega-3 Work as Well as Fish Oil?
Yes. Your body can turn the ALA found in many plant foods into EPA and DHA, but only in small amounts, as the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements explains. Algae make DHA and EPA directly, which is why both of these products start there.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 74 adults found that DHA and EPA from microalgal oil were absorbed as well as those from fish oil, based on blood phospholipid levels after 6 and 14 weeks. You can read the full study on PubMed Central.
Purity, Testing, and Certifications
Performance Lab Omega-3 states that it is third-party tested for purity and potency, certified by the Clean Label Project, vegan approved, and made in a GMP-certified facility. It lists every ingredient and dose with no proprietary blends, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Ritual states that each lot is third-party tested for heavy metals, microbes, and common allergens. It has also earned a Clean Label Project Purity Award and is a Certified B Corporation, which speaks to its business practices as well as its product.
This is a close call. Both brands take testing seriously.
Price Per Gram of DHA and EPA
On sticker price per month, Ritual is the cheaper bottle. A one-time Ritual bottle costs $37.50 before shipping, and the subscription runs about $33. Performance Lab costs $49 for a single bottle, but signing up to buy by subscription brings the Performance Lab cost per bottle to just $36.75.
The picture changes when you look at what each bottle delivers. By our math from the label figures, Performance Lab works out to roughly $1.50 to $2.00 per 1,000 mg of combined DHA and EPA, depending on how you buy it. Ritual comes in at roughly $1.90 to $2.70 for the same amount. In plain terms, Performance Lab costs a little more each month, but you get a lot more omega-3 for each dollar.
Who Should Choose Performance Lab Omega-3?
- You want a higher daily dose of DHA and EPA from a single bottle.
- You care about cost per gram more than the monthly price tag.
- You like the idea of a fermented tapioca softgel.
- You want a 30-day guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
- You already use other Performance Lab products and like keeping your routine in one place.
If that sounds like you, you can check the current Performance Lab Omega-3 price and subscription options here.
Who Should Choose Ritual Vegan Omega-3?
- You want one small capsule a day and nothing more to think about.
- You prefer the lowest monthly cost.
- You value B Corp certification and Ritual’s transparency about its sourcing.
- A modest daily dose of DHA and EPA is enough for you.
Final Take on Performance Lab Omega-3 vs Ritual
These two share a lot: algae oil, a 2:1 ratio, a carrageenan-free capsule, and a commitment to testing. The difference comes down to dose and convenience. Ritual gives you a simple one-capsule habit at a lower monthly price. Performance Lab gives you about 75 percent more DHA and EPA, and a better price for each gram you take.
If your goal is to get meaningful omega-3 without taking handfuls of pills or buying multiple bottles, Performance Lab is the stronger value. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it and see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Performance Lab Omega-3 Have More DHA and EPA Than Ritual?
Yes. Performance Lab provides 540 mg of DHA and 270 mg of EPA per serving, or 810 mg combined. Ritual provides 308 mg of DHA and 154 mg of EPA per capsule, or 462 mg combined.
Do Performance Lab and Ritual Use the Same DHA to EPA Ratio?
Yes. Both products use a 2:1 DHA to EPA ratio, so neither has an advantage on balance.
Is Ritual Vegan Omega-3 Carrageenan-Free?
Ritual uses a hypromellose capsule, and its listed ingredients do not include carrageenan. Performance Lab NutriGels are also carrageenan-free.
Which Costs Less, Performance Lab or Ritual?
Ritual costs less per month. Performance Lab costs less per 1,000 mg of combined DHA and EPA because each serving contains more of both. Check current pricing, since subscription terms change.
Is Algae Oil as Effective as Fish Oil?
A randomized, double-blind trial in 74 adults found that DHA and EPA from microalgal oil were absorbed as well as those from fish oil. Algae oil is a reliable source of both fats.
Should I Talk to My Doctor Before Taking Omega-3?
If you are pregnant, nursing, take blood thinners or other medications, or have a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for general information and is not medical advice.
