ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid: the plant omega-3 most buyers see first

ALA is the plant omega-3 most buyers see first on labels. It is the main omega-3 in flaxseed, chia, walnuts, and several plant oils, so the source and the everyday use matter as much as the name.

This is a label-first category. ALA is not the same as EPA or DHA, so the useful comparison is whether you want a kitchen oil, a supplement, or a plant-based omega-3 source for general diet use.

If you want a plant-based omega-3 choice, the exact source matters more than the headline term. If you use regular medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or need omega-3 for a specific reason, check the fit before you buy.