Barlean's Total Omega Vegan Pomegranate Blueberry Smoothie: A Taste Test and Review

If you follow a plant-based diet, getting enough omega-3s can be a challenge. Fish oil is off the table, and algae-based supplements can sometimes be pricey or have an unappealing taste. Enter Barlean's Total Omega Vegan Pomegranate Blueberry Smoothie — a liquid omega-3 supplement that promises a delicious, fruity experience along with your daily dose of DHA and EPA. But does it deliver on taste and nutrition? We put it to the test.

In this review, we break down the flavor, texture, ingredients, and overall value of this popular vegan omega-3 product. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just looking to switch up your supplement routine, read on to see if this smoothie-style omega is right for you.

First Impressions: Packaging and Pour

The product arrives in a sturdy, dark bottle to protect the delicate oils from light damage. The label features a vibrant pomegranate and blueberry illustration that immediately sets expectations for a fruity taste. Upon opening, the aroma is pleasantly sweet and tart — more like a berry smoothie than a fish oil. The liquid itself has a slightly thick, syrupy consistency, which makes sense given it's meant to be taken like a smoothie.

We poured the recommended serving (1 tablespoon) into a small glass. The color is a deep reddish-purple, reminiscent of a berry juice. There's no oily separation visible, which is a good sign for emulsification. The texture is smooth and not overly viscous, making it easy to swallow or mix into other foods.

• Bottle size: 16 oz (473 mL) — about 32 servings
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening for freshness

Taste Test: Does It Really Taste Like a Smoothie?

We took a sip straight from the spoon. The initial flavor is a burst of pomegranate and blueberry — sweet but not cloying, with a pleasant tartness. There's a slight earthy undertone that likely comes from the algae oil, but it's very mild and fades quickly. The aftertaste is clean, with no fishy burps or greasy mouthfeel. In fact, it tastes remarkably like a real fruit smoothie, only thinner.

We also tried mixing it into a plant-based yogurt and a bowl of oatmeal. In yogurt, it blended seamlessly and added a nice berry flavor. In oatmeal, it tinted the oats a pretty pink and provided a subtle sweetness. For those who prefer to take it straight, the taste is enjoyable enough to look forward to each day.

• Tip: For a thicker smoothie, blend with frozen bananas and plant milk.
• Tip: Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles for an omega-3 boost.

Nutritional Profile: What You Get Per Serving

Each tablespoon (15 mL) provides 1,200 mg of total omega-3s, including 675 mg of EPA and 450 mg of DHA from algal oil. That's a solid dose for daily maintenance. It also contains 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (from algae) and 50 mcg of vitamin K2, which support bone and immune health. Unlike many vegan omega-3s, this formula includes both EPA and DHA, not just DHA, making it a more complete option.

The ingredient list is short and clean: algal oil, pomegranate juice concentrate, blueberry juice concentrate, natural flavors, and vitamin E (as a preservative). There are no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives. It's also non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher. Each serving has 45 calories and 5 grams of fat, which is reasonable for an oil-based supplement.

• Omega-3s per serving: 1,200 mg (675 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA)
• Additional nutrients: Vitamin D3 (1,000 IU), Vitamin K2 (50 mcg)
• Dietary features: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher

How It Compares to Other Vegan Omega-3s

We compared this product to a few other popular vegan omega-3 supplements on the market. Many algae oil capsules are large and can cause burping, while liquid options often have a strong seaweed taste. Barlean's Total Omega Vegan Smoothie stands out for its genuinely pleasant flavor and smooth texture. It's also more affordable per milligram of omega-3 than many capsule brands.

Another advantage is the inclusion of vitamin D3 and K2, which are often lacking in plant-based diets. This makes it a multi-benefit supplement rather than just an omega-3 source. However, it does contain a small amount of sugar from the fruit juices (about 2 grams per serving), which may be a consideration for those strictly limiting sugar. Overall, it's a top-tier choice for taste and nutrition.

• Vs. capsules: No large pills to swallow, no fishy burps
• Vs. other liquids: Superior taste, less 'seaweed' flavor
• Price: Competitive, especially when factoring in D3 + K2

Who Should Consider This Product?

This supplement is ideal for vegans and vegetarians who want a convenient, great-tasting omega-3 source. It's also suitable for anyone who dislikes swallowing pills or has trouble with fish oil aftertaste. The fruit flavor makes it a hit with kids (though it's not specifically marketed for children), and the added D3 and K2 are a bonus for bone health.

If you're already using Barlean's other products like the Fresh Flax Oil Softgels or the Organic Fresh Flax Oil, this vegan smoothie offers a different omega-3 profile (EPA/DHA from algae vs. ALA from flax) and can be a nice addition to your rotation. For those focused on intestinal or stomach health, the Stomach Repair - Vanilla Chai might pair well with this omega-3 for overall wellness.

• Best for: Vegans, pill-avoiders, flavor-seekers
• Also great for: Those needing vitamin D3 and K2
• Not ideal for: Those avoiding all added sugars (even natural)

After thorough taste-testing and nutritional analysis, Barlean's Total Omega Vegan Pomegranate Blueberry Smoothie earns high marks for flavor, texture, and ingredient quality. It's a rare supplement that you actually look forward to taking. If you're ready to upgrade your omega-3 routine with a delicious, plant-based option, give it a try. Explore the Total Omega Vegan Pomegranate Blueberry Smoothie and see how it fits into your daily wellness regimen.