Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does Algarithm do?

Algarithm makes fish-free omega-3 ingredients from Algae!

Where are you based?

Our head offices are in Saskatoon, SK, Canada and partner locations around the world from Liverpool, UK to Bangkok, Thailand.

What are the differences between your oil lineups—alphamega³ and thetamega³?

alphamega3 is our natural TG (triglyceride) lineup.
SKU’s are broken out below:

  • alphamega3 400 3AOX: 40% (400mg/g) DHA.
    Contains a blend of 3 antioxidants; rosemary extract, ascorbyl palmitate, mixed tocopherols (our “3AOX” blend)
  • alphamega3 400 MT: 40% (400mg/g) DHA.
    Contains a single antioxidant; mixed tocopherols. 
  • alphamega3 530 TG: 53% (530mg/g) DHA.
    Contains the 3AOX blend.

thetamega3 lineup. This is our r-TG concentrate lineup which allow for a higher concentrate of DHA (on a mg/g basis). SKU’s are broken out below. 

  • thetamega3 600 r-TG: 60% (600mg/g) DHA. 
  • thetamega3 650 r-TG: 65% (650mg/g) DHA. 
  • thetamega3 750 r-TG: 75% (750mg/g) DHA.

Soon to come 🡪 thetamega3 800 r-TG: 80% (800mg/g) DHA.

What are the differences between alphamega³ 400 3AOX and alphamega³ 400 MT?

alphamega3 400 3AOX Contains a blend of 3 antioxidants; rosemary extract, ascorbyl palmitate, mixed tocopherols (our “3AOX” blend).

alphamega3 400 MT Contains a single antioxidant; mixed tocopherols. This SKU is typically selected where a short ingredient list is a priority and is most readily accepted in certified organic products at <5% of the total formulation.

Do you have a powder?

Yes! Our betamega3 lineup is our powder ingredients. We currently offer a 12% DHA powder in our betamega3 lineup. This is a microencapsulated powder using our alphamega3 400 S 3AOX oil. The powder formulation is designed and manufactured by our partner Virun: virun.com

This powder comes in two pre-flavoured options: Natural (citrus), Natural Unsweetened.

Algarithm will also launch a new powder in 2023, betamega3 Toatal Control, which will be a minimum 20% (200 mg/g) DHA powder using limited ingredients.

What are your MOQ’s? (Minimum Order Quantities)

Our MOQ’s are just 1 x any of our commercial pack sizes.
These are outlined below:

  • alphamega3 : 10KG, 25KG, 190KG (please note that 10KG pack sizes will be phased out in Q2 2024). 
  • betamega3 : 25KG 
  • thetamega3 : 25KG, 190KG

Other customized packaging may be possible depending on the request.

Why should I pick Algarithm over a competitor? 

Best sensory in the industry

Customer Service

  • <24 hour response time across whole team
  • Flexible, energetic team who will work to find solutions

Supply Chain

  • Security in supply through both vertical integration with Mara and co-stream utilization for our concentrate lineup

No Hook

  • Only North American algal company who does not profit from the sale of animal-based products. 100% plant based.

We break our differentiators down into the “5 S’s” to remember easily…

Sensory

  • Our algal oil has the best flavour and odour (or lack thereof)
  • Makes the previously impossible possible – can be utilized
    in difficult-to-formulate and innovative applications

Service

  • Average response times less than 24 hours in all key departments
  • Additional supports offered in key development areas, including R&D, Formulation, Marketing, QA & RA

Sustainability

  • Non-fish source of DHA (Omega-3)
  • Carbon-offset commitment to planting trees to reach
    net-neutral
  • Grown via fermentation in facilities with carbon capture
    and waste stream recycling biofuel programs

Supply

  • Vertically integrated in supply chain for crude oil supply,
    but with flexible purchasing power and owned production
  • Take precedent for crude oil supply in the event that there
    is a shortage in industry and not reliant on fish stocks

Safety

  • We own our own processing – we control what goes in,
    so we know what comes out
  • Grown in a closed system, our ingredients are free from common environmental and downstream processing contaminants

Technical

Why are Omega-3 fatty acids important to human health?

Omega-3 fatty acids positively impact all major organs and systems in our bodies through development and maintenance, including our brains, cardiovascular (heart, lungs and circulation) and immune systems. DHA and EPA are the most-clinically studied omega-3 fatty acids and their positive effects are widely documented. For infants cognition was shown to improve as DHA consumption increased; the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids is in fact mandated for infant formula products. While for adults, links between DHA consumption and brain development as well as maintenance of normal brain function are well documented. Moreover, research has shown that cognitive impairment and mental health disorders (e.g. Alzheimer’s) can be improved through an omega-3 rich diet. Additionally, incidences of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including diabetes, arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, irritable bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis were shown to be reduced when a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids was consumed. Links between increased omega-3 fatty acid consumption and reduced rates of cardiovascular diseases (linked to a reduction in triglycerides in people with type II diabetes) have also been reported.

The beneficial health effects of omega-3 DHA and EPA are supported by a growing body of scientific research which advocates a balanced omega-6-to-omega-3 intake, and increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids to promote positive physical and mental health.

Algarithm has access to GOED’s searchable database of over 40,000 peer reviewed literature which we can gladly leverage to answer any specific queries around specific research or health implications. 

Are all Omega-3 fatty acids equal in their benefits to human health?

No. DHA and EPA, the long chain omega-3s are the most studied omega-3 fatty acids. Research provides the strongest link between their consumption and significant health benefits, compared to all other fatty acids. 

The direct consumption of omega-3 DHA and EPA provides the most health benefits.

What’s the difference / benefit compared to fish oils?

Contaminants: Algal oil contains no risk of exposure of contamination of heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, or processing aids (mineral oil, MCPD, Glycidyl esters, ethylene oxide, residual solvents). 

Vegan: Fish are high in DHA and EPA omega 3’s because they consume algae in their natural diet. We are able to cut out the fish from the equation, eliminating the middleman (middle-fish?). 

Sustainability: Algarithm’s algal oil is produced using a closed system and sustainable sources of energy, inputs, and fair labour practices.

What’s the difference between semi-winterized or fully winterized oils?

The purpose of winterization is to separate the desirable triglycerides (rich in DHA) from waxes and triglycerides containing saturated fatty acids. Winterization is a 2-part process: 

1. Cooling: the crude algal oil is cooled to a very specific temperature to target the unique melting and precipitation points of the unwanted compounds in the oil. 

2. The oil is then held at the target temperature for a set length of time causing the waxes and saturated fatty acids to crystallize/solidify and precipitate which are then filtered out of the oil.

When producing semi - winterized oils, we simply stop the winterization process earlier than our fully winterized oils, leaving a small amount of saturates and waxes suspended which results in a semi-clear/cloudy oil at room temperature. Fully winterized oil and semi winterized oils are chemically identical, and the only material difference is their visual appearance. 

Some applications (i.e., softgels) may demand a clear oil, where other applications (i.e., a milk or plant-based meat alternative) may not require a visually clear oil. 

The benefit of a semi-winterized oil is some cost savings in processing which results in a more cost efficient / cost competitive oil. 

Why do you add antioxidants?

All algal oil contains added antioxidants to inhibit oxidation and fatty acid degradation which can create off flavours and smells (fishy or rancid).

How should I store the oil or samples?

We recommend all material be stored frozen (or refrigerated) until use. Please also note that all containers are nitrogen purged, so once a container is opened, please use the full container (or re-blanket with nitrogen prior to storing).

For our full stability and storage guidelines, please see the 2nd page of our product specification sheet(s).

What strain of algae do you use?

Algarithm utilizes 2 strains of micro-algae to produce Omega-3-rich lipids: Schizochytrium sp. and Schizochytrium sp. (T18).

Do you have higher EPA offering?

We do not have a higher EPA offering at this time but we are working towards offering a higher EPA solution in 2024.

In the interim, we do offer an SDA + DHA combination. SDA can substitute for EPA as it has shown that it can convert from SDA to EPA in the human body as required.

Ask us about our collaboration with Natures Crops Ahiflower®!

If the oil is X% DHA, what’s the rest of the oil?

Saturate fats. We conduct FAP (fatty acid profile) testing on each lot of oil, which can be shared upon request.

Quality

Are your ingredients vegan?

Yes, all of our ingredients are vegan!

Are your ingredients certified organic?

While Algal oil is not yet included in the NOP list of allowable non-organic ingredients, the NOSB conducted a review of DHA from algal oil and made a formal recommendation to the NOP in 2011 to:

A: Classify DHA from Algal Oil as a “nonagricultural/non-synthetic” substance appropriate for listing under 7 CFR §205.605(a).

B: List the petitioned substance as “DHA from Algal Oil, not hexane extracted; other ingredients that are agricultural must be organic” to the National List at 7 CFR, §205.605(a)

This allows algal oil to be included in certified organic products where it is no more than 5% of the total formulation.

Are your ingredients halal, kosher?

Yes, all our alphamega3 oils are kosher and halal. Our thetamega3 oils are not kosher or halal. However, they can be produced halal and/or kosher where commercially viable.

What is the shelf life of the oil?

Our oils are guaranteed to meet all product specifications when stored in the original, unopened container for up to 1 month at room temperature (+25 ̊ C), up to 12 months at refrigerated temperature (+4 ̊ C), and up to 24 months under frozen storage condition (≤-18 ̊ C) from the production date. 

For extended storage and for best sensory performance, frozen storage is recommended.

Ask us for data and further information

Consumer

Do you sell a retail product?

Algarithm is a B2B supplier, and we don’t currently have a consumer-brand products to sell.

Where can I find your ingredients?

Supplement, complete multivitamin: RITUAL
Supplement, omegas only: CatchFree Omega from Wiley’s Finest 
Novel food: O3 Smoothies
Childhood nutrition: Cerebelly
Plant based milk: Ripple

Operations & Logistics

What is your supply chain? Where are your ingredients produced?

Our algal Biomass is produced by our parent company, Mara Renewables, at their facility in Prescot, UK. Mara extracts a crude oil and sells it to Algarithm for further refining. 

Algarithm uses toll contract manufacturing partners to refine its oils. Algarithm’s primary toll refining partner is Thai Union Ingredients, at their facility in Rostock, Germany. 

After refining, Algarithm uses concentration partner, WileyCo in Coshocton, OH, USA to further concentrate the oils to produce our thetamega3 lineup.

Where are your warehouses located?

Algarithm currently houses inventory in the following locations:
Quebec City, QC, Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, and Napoleon, OH, USA.

What is the lead time?

For oil ingredients: Our standard lead time in USA and Canada is 2 weeks (1 week to process an order, and 1 week to account for shipping). 

We ask that customers share forecasts whenever possible to help us plan ahead. 

For Virun powder: Standard lead time is 8 weeks for new production. 

Do we need to ship the ingredients temperature controlled?

For shipping times <10 days (or longer in winter environments), dry shipping is acceptable. For longer shipping durations or hot weather conditions, we recommend using temp controlled to avoid potential oxidation / spoilage during transit.

Corporate

What is the history of Algarithm?

Algarithm was founded in 2017 as part of POS Bio-Sciences (POS). In 2021 Algarithm became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara). 

As early as 2014, POS and Mara collaborated on the scale up of our water-based extraction system. Intrapreneurs in POS saw the value in the new extraction technique and the opportunity in nutritional lipids and set out to establish what was originally AlgaeCo. 

Dr. Udaya Wanasundara and Ben Kelly founded Algarithm with the idea that in the future all fatty acids would come from fermentation, a more sustainable resource, and that this production system would help create a healthier and happier world for future generations. Their mission became to make these lipids taste as neutral as olive oil, enabling a broader base of applications than were possible with fish oils and other omega-3 lipids. 

Today, Algarithm is the leading algal oil refiner, marketer, and distributor of nutritional lipids from algae for the vitamin, supplement and mineral category. Expansion to adjacent categories, such as omega-3 concentrates, novel fatty acids, unique powders, private label manufacturing and infant formula will lead expansion in 2022 and beyond. 

Who owns Algarithm?

Does Algarithm have any sustainability initiatives?

  • Algarithm has a Carbon offset commitment to planting trees with Tree Canada and booking travel through Goodwings to reach carbon neutral by 2030. 
  • FishMath is a way to quantify how many fish are kept in the ocean as a result of choosing an algal source of omega-3 over fish. 
  • Producing biomass via fermentation which uses carbon capture and waste stream recycling biofuel programs.

Do you have B-Corp certification?

Algarithm is working toward B-Corp certification and will add this to our list of accolades in the near future.