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Aug 24, 2023

15 Best Fish Oil Supplements, According to Registered Dietitians

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. These third-party tested fish

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

These third-party tested fish oil supplements are recommended by experts.

Packed with key nutrients, fish is an incredible protein source that provides hefty doses of omega-3 fatty acids and several vitamins and minerals. Research continues to show that regularly eating fish can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses. But while the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 8 oz of seafood per week for most adults, the majority of Americans aren't coming close to the recommendations.

While food is always the recommended primary source for reaping nutrition benefits, supplements may be a great solution for some people. Fish oil supplements can be useful for individuals who aren't fish lovers or just don't consume enough fish in general. Fish oil supplements are composed of two omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the two main fatty acids found in fish. "Research has shown the health benefits of EPA and DHA for many cellular functions in the body," says Jaime Schehr, ND, RD, CDN, a nationally recognized expert in integrative medicine and nutrition. "Essential fatty acids play a significant role in growth, repair and reproduction, improving lipid levels and cardiac function."

Since the human body can't manufacture omega-3 fatty acids on its own, they must be obtained from food or supplementation. Our articles on supplements are informed by nutrition expertise, but the ultimate choice is a personal decision between you and your healthcare provider. Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA prior to going to market, it’s important to do your research before adding them to your regimen.

Our team of registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed over 40 different fish oil supplements and prioritized picks that have been tested by a credible third party such as USP and NSF. These steps are designed to help ensure there are no harmful substances in the products themselves and to verify that what is on the label is what is in the bottle.

You can read more about how we tested and evaluated the best fish oil supplements — including tips on dosage and quality — at the end of this guide. If you're interested in learning about other top-tested supplements to support your overall health and wellness goals, check out our top picks for the best multivitamins for women, the best magnesium supplements and best protein powders.

Note: Price per serving is based on price at time of publication.

Nordic Naturals is a leading brand in the fish oil supplementation space; it offers a variety of forms and dosages of high-quality fish oil. This option provides 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA as part of a grand total of 1,280 mg total omega-3s per two-softgel serving, which is best taken with food. Free from artificial colors and flavors, this supplement is naturally flavored with lemon to offset any fishy aftertaste.

Our registered dietitians appreciate that everything the brand makes is non-GMO and third-party tested. The brand openly shares Certificates of Analyses for all of its products, and you can easily scan the QR code on the packaging of your product to see the test results yourself. You can get the option in larger counts, up to 210 pills per container, for additional savings. Over 44,000 reviewers on Amazon have given this product a 4.7-star (out of 5 stars) rating, with many saying that the pill is not smelly and doesn't make them burp. Some do note that the pills are fairly large though.

The Subscribe & Save option on Amazon will unlock the most savings for this product with Nordic Naturals as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly on the brand's website.

You'll find a whopping 200 servings of high-quality fish oil in this option from Costco. By far the best value pick on our list, each softgel contains a total of 1,000 mg omega-3 fatty acids, including 250 mg of EPA + DHA. You'll have to take one softgel two times daily with a full glass of water and preferably with a meal as per the suggested usage guidelines on the packaging.

In this case, affordability doesn't mean poor quality. In fact, this supplement carries the prestigious USP Verification Seal, which indicates that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label in the declared potency and amounts and does not contain harmful levels of specific contaminants. What's more, it's also been made according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current Good Manufacturing Practices using sanitary and well-controlled procedures. Reviewers loved the value and being able to stock up on a lot at once for a reasonable price.

Just one softgel delivers 1,400 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, including 683 mg EPA and 252 mg DHA. You'll want to take the softgel with water and a meal for optimal absorption. This pick from Nature Made is free from added colors, artificial flavors, gluten, milk and shellfish too. The softgels are about one inch and are enteric coated specifically to reduce fish burps.

The brand's 1,200 mg and 1,000 mg softgels are USP Verified too. Most reviewers found them fairly easy to swallow and said that they indeed give no fishy burps. This pick in general is also quite affordable, with each softgel coming in at only $0.17. You can save up to 10% with Subscribe & Save on Amazon which will garner the most savings, but there is also a subscribe and save option on Nature Made's website for 10% and free shipping.

Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this supplement delivers not only 2,000 mg of fish oil concentrate but also olive extract for heart-healthy polyphenols that the brand says provides the polyphenol equivalent of over 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. In addition to 700 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA, you'll also find omega-3s from Antarctic krill. The supplement has an added natural lemon flavor to avoid that dreaded fishy aftertaste.

A top pick with ConsumerLab.com, this potent supplement passed tests for heavy metals and freshness. Our pros also like that a Certificate of Analysis is available for every product that the brand produces, and that 99% of the products are manufactured in the United States. Reviewers say that it didn't give them any fishy burps, but you will have to take four softgels to get a full serving.

Amazon's Subscribe & Save option offers the most savings for this product with Amazon as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly onLife Extensions' website and get a lower cost per unit if you buy multiple bottles.

Pills not your thing? Our best overall brand also makes this liquid option that goes down easy. A little goes a long way with this pick too: a mere 1 tsp serving delivers 1,460 mg EPA and 1,010 mg DHA as part of a potent 2,840 mg total omega-3s. This option also has a natural lemon flavor to offset any aftertaste and is free from artificial colors.

You can rest assured that all Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO and third-party tested. The brand openly shares Certificates of Analyses for all of its products, and you can easily scan the QR code on the packaging of your product to view the test results. The product does not come with a dropper and can be a bit messy to measure, but reviewers say that it is easy to take and works seamlessly when added to smoothies.

Try the Subscribe & Save option on Amazon for savings on this product with Nordic Naturals as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly on the brand's website.

There is lots of buzz around krill oil, an alternative to fish oil that comes from small crustaceans with tons of nutrients. Each dose delivers essential omega-3s (1,200 mg to be exact) in their most natural phospholipid form that the body favors for superior absorption. The red color of these pills is thanks to astaxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, so there's no need to worry about unnatural dyes. This fairly large pill only needs to be taken once a day, but the brand does make smaller options if you'd rather take smaller pills multiple times a day.

Kori Pure Antarctic Krill Oil is sourced from Antarctica, and consumers can even use the scannable QR code on each bottle to trace the exact spot where their specific batch was harvested from. This product is also passed a rigorous evaluation with Good Housekeeping experts who evaluated testing data and reports from the brand. You can subscribe and save on Amazon or purchase through the brand's website for similar savings.

Another affordable option, this time from the Sam's Club line called Member's Mark, is this double-strength omega-3 supplement featuring 1,200 mg fish concentrate. You'll find a breakdown of 600 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, 324 mg EPA and 216 mg DHA. While this isn't as high a dosage as others on the list, it's still a substantial breakdown. What's more, you'll also get your daily dose of vitamin D with this supplement, as it packs in 2,000 IU. A serving is one softgel, which should be taken with a meal.

This supplement holds a USP Verification, which notes that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label in the declared potency and amounts. And it is also Marine Stewardship Council Certified Sustainable, which indicates that the fish or seafood has been sourced from fisheries that meet a set of requirements for sustainable fishing. Reviewers love that you get two supplements in one, maximizing your daily dose of omega-3s and vitamin D at the same time.

This potent omega-3 formula, with 600 mg EPA and 300 mg DHA per softgel, packs in a total of 1,200 mg fish oil concentrate. But it also includes a dose of vitamin D3 at 1,000 IU as cholecalciferol from lanolin. Vitamin D itself is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and plays a significant role in immunity. Flavored with lemon oil, each softgel is a daily serving to be taken with food.

The Now brand has been a leader in the health and wellness industry for over 50 years and focuses on superior quality standards to ensure you are getting exactly what it says on the bottle. The brand claims that this particular fish oil supplement is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants and heavy metals. The supplement is fairly large and uses a fish gelatin softgel instead of a bovine and porcine gelatin softgel.

Hate taking large pills? This pick from GNC features mini fish oil softgels that are easy to swallow. You'll only have to take two mini softgels to hit the recommended serving, which provides 734 mg EPA and 266 mg DHA plus 65 mg additional omega-3s for a grand total of 1,065 mg. Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, this top pick is available in both 120-softgel and 240-softgel bottles (shown).

Approved by ConsumerLab.com, the supplement passed tests for heavy metals and freshness. You'll have to take it with food but reviewers appreciate that the supplements were easy to swallow and gave them no fishy burps. If you subscribe to delivery of the product through GNC's website, you'll get a 10% savings plus free shipping too.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development before and after birth, and they may even reduce the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant people are encouraged to eat low-mercury fish since mercury is a metal that has been linked to birth defects. But if you have a hard time eating fish during pregnancy, which is very common between bouts of nausea and food aversions, a prenatal supplement may be beneficial.

Garden of Life, a top-tested brand that we have featured in several other articles, has a line of omega-3 supplements known as Minami. This concentrated option is designed to support prenatal health, breastfeeding and lactation. It has 640 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, including 480 mg DHA and 104 mg EPA in each softgel, and should be taken with water and food. It's not as high potency as others on this list, but it will certainly help pregnant people reach their daily needs. It has a lemon flavor to bypass any fishy aftertaste (the majority of reviewers agreed), and this supplement in particular has undergone rigorous in-house and third-party testing for purity and heavy metals. The Subscribe & Save option on Amazon will give you the greatest savings on this product.

Formulated by registered dietitians, HUM makes this unique fish oil complex that also packs in 13.4 mg of vitamin E, an important fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. In terms of fish oil, you'll find 1,400 mg omega-3 fatty acids sourced from anchovies, including 800 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA.

All of HUM's products are made in facilities that are certified to follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes), required by the FDA. This supplement from HUM is also certified by the Clean Label Project, meaning it has been third-party tested for purity. Another important thing to note is that the brand claims that all of its products are gluten-free and tested to ensure gluten isn’t present at levels greater than 20 ppm.

Reviewers appreciate that the supplement has no fishy aftertaste or smell. But one small downside is that the only bottle size is for a 30-day supply, as no larger options are available.

Our furry friends need some omega-3s in their lives too! This fish oil is made with sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herrings. The liquid supplement is designed to support your dog’s joints, heart, skin, coat, brain and overall health. You'll find a total of 1,598 mg omega-3 fatty acids, including 800 mg EPA and 525 mg DHA.

Approved by ConsumerLab.com, this pick passed tests for heavy metals and freshness. It can be taken by cats as well and is easy to add to their existing pet food. Reviewers were pleased with the quality, and many said that they saw improvements over time with their dog's hair, but some users note issues with utilizing the pump.

A vegan fish oil supplement may sound like an oxymoron, but there are some potent plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are suitable for those living a vegan lifestyle. This option from DEVA supplies 1,000 mg omega 3s from microalgae oil, with a breakdown of 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA. Registered by the Vegan Society, this product is also free from gelatin. A serving is one vegan softgel daily with food.

Approved by ConsumerLab.com and one of the top picks in the vegetarian sourced category, this option passed for heavy metal testing. Reviewers like that it is free from carrageenan and doesn't have a bad taste either. The pills are fairly large, but you'll get a 60-day supply in each container.

Looking for an omega-3 supplement that's both vegan and liquid? Flaxseed oil is the perfect solution. This option from Barlean's is organic, unrefined and cold-pressed. It's pure organic flaxseed oil (that's it) and should be refrigerated. A serving is 1 tbsp, which supplies a whopping 7,640 mg omega-3 fatty acids, so you could even take a mere teaspoon for a hefty daily dose.

Keep in mind that flaxseed oil has a low-smoke point, so it's best to avoid cooking with it on high-heat; instead, use it for drizzling or making salad dressings. Our registered dietitians say that you can easily add it to smoothies and shakes to get your dose. It's available in this 8-oz size and goes all the way up to 32 ounces. This pick is also USDA Organic and non-GMO Project verified.

Kids ages 2 and up who aren't big fish eaters may benefit from this gummy option from Nordic Naturals. Each gummy chew provides 600 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, broken down into 140 mg EPA and 355 mg DHA. The gummies have no sugar and are sweetened instead with a small amount of stevia extract, but a serving is only one gummy so it's important to keep these out of reach of children when not in use, since eating too many may result in toxicity.

Our registered dietitians appreciate that these gummies are free from artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives. Finding a supplement for children can be incredibly difficult and warrants a conversation with your trusted pediatrician. But the good news about this pick is that the Nordic Naturals brand third-party tests all of their products for purity and freshness. Plus, Certificates of Analysis are available for any product. Opt for Subscribe & Save on Amazon for 10% savings — even more savings compared to the direct website.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, our registered dietitians rigorously evaluate supplements based on nutritional expertise, ingredients and third-party testing data.

When selecting the best fish oil supplements, we considered dosage, serving size, price, servings per container, ingredients, form, taste and whether or not you can take the vitamin with or without food. We looked at over 40 different fish oil supplements and aimed to provide options for a variety of personal preferences and price-points.

We prioritized recommendations that have been tested for purity, potency and safety by a credible third-party organization. We reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and we highlighted companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, among other items of concern. We also featured companies that have strict internal quality control standards.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness prior to going to market, it's incredibly important to thoroughly research each supplement you add to your regimen and speak with your doctor before purchasing.

There are an overwhelming number of fish oil supplements on the market today, making it difficult to figure out which one is best for you and your personal needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for one:

✔️ Form and size: While most of the options on our list are in softgel form, we included liquid options that are easier to get down if you'd rather not take a pill. Check the serving size and consider the size of the pill itself as well. Are you okay with one large fish oil pill daily, or would you rather take a few smaller ones throughout the course of the day to meet your needs? Determine what works best for you and your lifestyle.

✔️ Taste and smell: This is one of the most common complaints about fish oil supplements. "Some people find that fish oil pills make them burp or cause nausea. I like taking ones that are either coated to remove the fishy odor, or have an insert in the package that give the softgels a pleasant flavor," says nutrition expert and author Frances Largeman-Roth .

✔️ Price: Fish oil supplements can greatly vary in price, and more expensive options aren't necessarily better. Plus, each bottle contains a different number of pills and since serving size can vary, so we included information on cost per dosage so you can accurately compare each option.

✔️ Quality: Check the ingredients to ensure there are no artificial additives in the supplement itself. It's also important to also look for third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF, to ensure quality standards, and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what you'll be consuming.

✔️ Sustainability: "Environmentally responsible fish oil companies will offer transparency into their fishing practices," Dr. Schehr explains. Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, which indicates that the fish or seafood has been sourced from fisheries that meet a set of requirements for sustainable fishing. If you'd rather avoid fish-based omega-3 supplements altogether, vegan options exist that are made from plant-based sources.

✔️ Dosage: You'll want to discuss proper dosage with your healthcare provider, but we have some tips below if you need a starting point to consider.

When it comes to the appropriate fish oil dose, you'll want to consult with your healthcare provider. But there are some general guidelines you can follow. "The American Heart Association recommends up to 3 g of fish oil daily. Most supplements provide 2,000mg/serving," Largeman-Roth says.

Certain conditions and stages of life may warrant particular amounts of the individual fatty acids too. "Most fish oil is recommended as a combination of DHA and EPA; however, there are instances where someone would dose one higher than the other," Dr. Schehr explains. She adds that since omega-3 fatty acids combat free-radical activity, they may play a role in improving cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, metabolism, mood, cognition and more.

Side effects from supplementing with fish oil are often mild and can include a disagreeable taste, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and diarrhea, according to the National Institutes of Health. While most individuals will likely tolerate the supplement, there are certain populations that should avoid taking fish oil.

"If you are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, you should not take fish oil due to the increased risk of bleeding," Largeman-Roth explains. "Also, one study showed that people with high triglycerides who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease (or already had it) had an increased risk of atrial fibrillation when taking fish oil supplements."

If you're not regularly eating fish, it may be a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about taking a fish oil supplement. Largeman-Roth explains that the two essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil — EPA and DHA — can support a healthy heart, brain, and vision, as well as healthy joints and skin. "Omega-3 fatty acids impact free-radical activity, which is believed to play a role in improving cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, metabolism, mood and cognition, and even in cancer prevention," Dr. Schehr adds.

While fish oil supplementation isn't for everyone, certain populations may benefit from taking it. "Fish oil is one supplement that is beneficial in every stage of life, from prenatal development to geriatrics," Dr. Schehr says.

"If you have elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure or just don’t like fish or don’t eat it twice a week, you should consider taking a fish oil supplement," Largeman-Roth adds.

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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