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Squid oil

Squid oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Squid oil is extracted from squid, mostly from the livers and viscera left over from squid processing, and then refined. It carries EPA and DHA, typically with a higher DHA share than many fish oils, plus some phospholipids. It is sold as refined bulk oil, often called calamari oil, for softgels and as an omega-3 ingredient in foods and pet products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Calamari oil · Todarodes pacificus oil · Illex squid oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of squid oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Refined oil

    Refined, deodorized oil sold against minimum EPA and DHA levels.

  • Concentrates

    Squid oil concentrated as ethyl esters or re-esterified triglycerides for higher DHA content.

  • Powder

    Oil microencapsulated on a carrier for dry blends.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

EPA and DHA
Fatty acid profile by GC as methyl or ethyl esters, reported in mg/g and percent of total fatty acids.
Peroxide and anisidine values
Peroxide value (AOCS Cd 8b-90) for primary oxidation and p-anisidine value for secondary oxidation, often combined as TOTOX; these show how fresh the oil is at release.
Dioxins, PCBs and metals
Dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs by GC-HRMS, plus lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic by ICP-MS; this is the standard contaminant panel for marine oils.
Cholesterol and unsaponifiables
Some suppliers report cholesterol or unsaponifiable matter, which can be higher in viscera-derived oils.
Free fatty acids
Free fatty acids or acid value by titration (AOCS Ca 5a-40 or Cd 3d-63), which rises with poor seed handling, hydrolysis and age.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed under nitrogen, cool and dark; refrigerate after opening unless encapsulated. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and oxidation values are retested on aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

EPA, DHA and contaminant results vary with species and catch, so record the species and the actual values from each lot COA. Rotate first-expiry, first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Squid oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking squid oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of squid oil can brands buy?

Common forms include refined oil, concentrates and powder. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for squid oil include?

Expect ePA and DHA, peroxide and anisidine values, dioxins, PCBs and metals, cholesterol and unsaponifiables and free fatty acids, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should squid oil be stored?

Store sealed under nitrogen, cool and dark; refrigerate after opening unless encapsulated. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and oxidation values are retested on aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of squid oil?

Health Canada's Fixed Oil Products - Oral monograph lists squid oil from the whole animal of Todarodes pacificus, Dosidicus gigas (spelled 'Docidicus' there), Illex argentinus and Illex illecebrosus. That monograph requires the statement 'Refrigerate after opening' for products containing squid oil, except encapsulated products.

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