Industry Insights
The next phase of algal omega-3s will be shaped both by where the ingredients can go and what is required to support broader adoption. Some of these opportunities are already reflected in current market activity. In 2025, algae oil volume used in dietary supplements grew 4.7%, while food and beverage volume increased 2.5%.
In human nutrition, healthy aging, cognitive health, cardiovascular health, maternal nutrition, sports nutrition and medical nutrition offer areas for development across all omega-3 sources. New delivery formats — including beverages, ready-to-mix powders, stick packs, gummies and bars — may also make algal EPA and DHA easier to incorporate into everyday routines. As omega-3 fortified pet nutrition grows, there are important opportunities for algae as a premium solution. |  |
Aquaculture remains particularly significant: continued growth in farmed seafood creates sustained demand for EPA and DHA omega-3 in feed and provides opportunities for algae ingredients across more species and feed applications.
How quickly these opportunities develop will depend on more than demand. Production scale and economics will remain fundamental. Continued algae-specific science, regulatory progress, market education and improved formulation performance will influence access, adoption and product development.
As global demand for EPA and DHA continues to evolve, algae has the potential to play a larger role within an increasingly diversified supply base — adding capacity, formulation options and new ways to deliver omega-3s across human and animal nutrition.
Key Findings
- Healthy aging, maternal nutrition, cognitive health and specialized nutrition are important areas for future human nutrition development.
- Convenient delivery formats can broaden where and how consumers use EPA and DHA.
- Premium pet nutrition is creating additional opportunities for algal omega-3.
- Aquaculture remains a major strategic application for EPA and DHA.
- Scale, economics, science, regulation and market education will influence how quickly new opportunities develop.
- Algae can play an expanding role within a diversified global EPA and DHA supply base.
Member Perspectives
“Algae omega-3 will expand beyond infant nutrition, with strong growth opportunities in healthy aging, pet food, aquaculture, medical nutrition and dietary supplements.” | “The next phase of microalgae omega-3 growth will be driven by science-backed health benefits, reliable supply and consumer-preferred product experiences.” |
“Aging populations represent a significant opportunity. As cognitive, eye, joint and cardiovascular health become increasingly important with age, the evidence supporting EPA and DHA across these areas creates opportunities for algae omega-3 among increasingly label-conscious and supplement-savvy consumers.” | “Consumer pull will be key: as awareness grows around the omega-3 gap, education will drive demand for algal sources.” |
Contributors
