The Fast Facts
- A reputable fish oil supplement typically provides about 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) of combined eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per serving.
- Choose a product that has undergone third-party verification for purity and potency, preferably certified by groups such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), NSF International, or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
- Based on ingredient quality, registered dietitian recommendations, and tester impressions, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels is our top recommendation for best fish oil supplement.
A quick look at the best fish oil supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for supporting cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, and they can help lower inflammation and cholesterol among other advantages.
They’re plentiful in cold-water fatty fish and seafood, and present in smaller amounts in plant foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
If you don’t regularly consume these foods, taking a fish oil supplement is an easy way to boost your intake of this essential nutrient.
HealthEH’s picks for the best omega-3 supplements
Below are our selections for standout fish oil supplements available now.
Some items listed were supplied to HealthEH testers at no cost. Our evaluations are independent and were not reviewed or approved by the brands.
Best overall
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels
- Number of servings:60 per container
- EPA:650 mg per serving
- DHA:450 mg per serving
- Certifications:third-party tested for purity and potency, non-GMO tested, Friend of the Sea sustainable certification
- Price:$ = under $1 per serving
*Price may vary.
Why it’s best overall: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Soft Gels delivers 1,280 milligrams (mg) of combined EPA and DHA from wild-caught sardines and anchovies, making it a high-quality choice.
All products on this list are third-party tested, and Nordic Naturals publishes certificates of analysis (COA) on its site, giving transparent details about purity, potency, and product quality.
Registered dietitian and former HealthEH contributor Kelli McGrane recommends it as a top fish oil option. Our tester Candice Abellon also found the capsules easy to swallow and experienced fewer fishy burps than with other brands.
What else to know: The softgels are lemon-flavored, which helps mask the fishy aftertaste that some fish oil supplements have.
All Nordic Naturals products carry Friend of the Sea certification, which verifies that the seafood ingredients come from sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture.
What our tester says
Nordic Naturals has long stood out to dietitian Kelli McGrane for its openness and transparency as a supplement brand.
“Although the capsules are fairly large, I’ve always found them straightforward to swallow. As someone who dislikes fish flavors, I especially value the lemon taste that hides any fishiness,” she said.
During 2024 testing, Candice Abellon also reported fewer fishy burps than with other products and noted the softgels were easy to swallow. The light lemon flavor made the small amount of residue on her tongue more tolerable.
“That typical fishy odor wasn’t present,” she said. “Holding two gel caps, they smell sweet — like lemon candy. From the bottle, the aroma is like medicinal lemon candy.”
Although Candice received the product free for testing, she indicated she would purchase it herself.
Pros & cons
- minimal ingredient list
- third-party certified
- non-GMO verified
- sustainably certified
- capsules are relatively large
- minimal ingredient list
- third-party certified
- non-GMO verified
- sustainably certified
- capsules are relatively large
Product details
- Form :softgel
- Dose :2 softgels per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :omega-3s (1,280 mg)
- Available flavors :lemon
- Form :softgel
- Dose :2 softgels per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :omega-3s (1,280 mg)
- Available flavors :lemon
Best fish oil supplement for cholesterol
Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 Capsules
- Number of servings:90 per container
- EPA:450 mg per serving
- DHA:180 mg per serving
- Certifications:manufactured in NSF-certified facilities
- Price:$$ ($1 to $1.50 per serving) to $$$ (over $1.50 per serving)
*Price may vary.
Why we picked it: This premium fish oil combines omega-3s with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant linked to heart health that protects cells from oxidative stress and supports cellular energy production.
Note that many studies showing CoQ10 benefits use doses of at least 100 mg daily, while this product supplies 30 mg, so users seeking full CoQ10 effects might consider adding a dedicated CoQ10 supplement.
What else to know: Each capsule delivers 630 mg of combined EPA and DHA from sustainably sourced cold-water fish, plus 30 mg of CoQ10.
Thorne’s product is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and the company subjects its products to rigorous testing. Their manufacturing is third-party certified by NSF International.
Read our full Thorne review.
What our tester says
Lisa Stanley tested Thorne Omega-3 with CoQ10 while managing high cholesterol. “I needed CoQ10 to take alongside a statin, as it’s recommended for those on that medication […] I wanted to add more fish oil to help manage my cholesterol,” she said.
Lisa has intermittently used fish oils in the past without side effects. She previously took Nature Made but appreciates that “Thorne comes in 90 capsules while Nature Made often offers 60.” She also mentioned Thorne’s lack of fishy taste compared with Nature Made.
Her main complaint was cost. The suggested intake is 2–3 capsules daily. “I sometimes forgot to take it multiple times per day […] and with 90 capsules, the bottle lasts 30 to 60 days rather than 90, which feels like less value over time.”
Besides price, Lisa had no major complaints: she experienced no fishy burps or aftertaste and found the gel caps easy to swallow.
She said she would repurchase since “it supports my cholesterol without any fishy flavor, the gel caps are easy to swallow, and it’s convenient for daily use. Combining CoQ10 and fish oil into one product increases value.”
Pros & cons
- contains CoQ10
- third-party certified
- gluten-free
- costly
- requires multiple capsules daily to reach recommended CoQ10 doses
- contains CoQ10
- third-party certified
- gluten-free
- costly
- requires multiple capsules daily to reach recommended CoQ10 doses
Product details
- Form :capsule
- Dose :1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil, coenzyme Q10 (30 mg)
- Available flavors :unflavored
- Form :capsule
- Dose :1 capsule per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil, coenzyme Q10 (30 mg)
- Available flavors :unflavored
Best single source omega
Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil
- Number of servings:90 per container
- EPA:690 mg per serving
- DHA:260 mg per serving
- Certifications:non-GMO verified, IFOS 5-star certified, MSC certified
- Price:$ = under $1 per serving
*Price may vary.
Why we picked it: Made from a single-source of wild-caught Alaskan pollock, Sports Research is a high-quality, budget-friendly omega-3 option.
According to the brand, a 10-step purification process yields a concentrated product with minimal fishy aftertaste or burps. Our tester confirmed the oil swallowed easily, lacked an off-putting smell, and didn’t cause fishy burps.
What else to know: This supplement comes in two potency options, providing either 625 mg or 1,250 mg of fish oil per serving, with corresponding omega-3 totals of 520 mg or 1,040 mg per serving.
It’s third-party tested and also labeled gluten-free, non-GMO, and IFOS 5-star certified.
The brand offers several bottle sizes and subscription discounts.
What our tester says
Tester Parisa Syed used this supplement for 30 days. While the larger softgels looked intimidating at first, she found they were easier to swallow than expected.
“I was nervous about taking such a large pill. My daily meds are much smaller,” she said. “But the pill went down surprisingly well and left no aftertaste. No fishy burps or odors.”
Throughout the month, she had no swallowing issues or aftertaste, simply taking the supplement with meals and going about her day without side effects.
Pros & cons
- sourced from wild-caught fish
- third-party tested
- gluten-free and non-GMO
- no unpleasant smell or fishy burps
- affordable
- large capsule size
- contains fish gelatin
- sourced from wild-caught fish
- third-party tested
- gluten-free and non-GMO
- no unpleasant smell or fishy burps
- affordable
- large capsule size
- contains fish gelatin
Product details
- Form :softgel
- Dose :1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :wild Alaska pollock fish oil concentrate 1,240 mg, total omega-3s 1,040 mg
- Available flavors :none
- Form :softgel
- Dose :1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :wild Alaska pollock fish oil concentrate 1,240 mg, total omega-3s 1,040 mg
- Available flavors :none
Most affordable
Nutricost Fish Oil Soft Gels
- Number of servings:240 per container
- EPA:340 mg per serving
- DHA:220 mg per serving
- Certifications:IFOS certified, Labdoor Tested for Sport, non-GMO
- Price:$ = under $1 per serving
*Price may vary.
HealthEH’s review
Why we picked it: With 240 softgels in a bottle, this fish oil offers the best value of the options we evaluated.
What else to know: Nutricost is a performance-oriented brand offering a wide range of supplements from creatine to fish oil. Its products are gluten-free, cGMP-compliant, and non-GMO.
Pros & cons
- large quantity delivers strong value
- capsules may stick together
- some reports of rancidity
- some users report fishy burps
- large quantity delivers strong value
- capsules may stick together
- some reports of rancidity
- some users report fishy burps
Product details
- Form :softgel
- Dose :1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil (1,000 mg)
- Available flavors :unflavored
- Form :softgel
- Dose :1 softgel per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil (1,000 mg)
- Available flavors :unflavored
Best liquid fish oil
Carlson Labs The Very Finest Fish Oil
- Number of servings:100 per container
- EPA:800 mg per serving
- DHA:500 mg per serving
- Certifications:IFOS certified, Friend of the Sea sustainable, non-GMO tested
- Price:$ = under $1 per serving
*Price may vary.
HealthEH’s review
Why we picked it: Carlson Labs’ liquid fish oil is derived from wild-caught anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. It’s IFOS-certified and non-GMO Project verified.
What else to know: This is a very potent omega product: each teaspoon (5 mL) offers 1,600 mg of omega-3s, with about 1,300 mg coming from EPA and DHA. Because of the high dose, consult your doctor if you have concerns about immune effects or bleed risk.
Pros & cons
- available in multiple flavors
- convenient liquid format
- may be overly potent for some users
- some may find packaging difficult to open
- available in multiple flavors
- convenient liquid format
- may be overly potent for some users
- some may find packaging difficult to open
Product details
- Form :liquid
- Dose :1 tsp per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil (4.6 g)
- Available flavors :lemon, orange, mixed berry, just peachie, green apple, fruit splash, bubble gum, unflavored
Women-Founded
- Form :liquid
- Dose :1 tsp per day
- Active ingredient(s) (serving strength) :fish oil (4.6 g)
- Available flavors :lemon, orange, mixed berry, just peachie, green apple, fruit splash, bubble gum, unflavored
Women-Founded
Comparing the best fish oil supplements
How we chose the best omega-3 supplements
Our Medical Standards and Insights team researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, review ingredients, and examine each brand’s reputation before featuring products on HealthEH.
To assemble this list, we reviewed all vitamin brands that met our vetting criteria and personally tested many of them to refine our choices.
When selecting the best fish oil supplements, we evaluated these factors:
- Quality: Beyond ingredient quality, we assessed testing and manufacturing practices. Chosen products come from companies that provide objective proof of trust, such as third-party lab validation.
- Fish oil source: We favored oil from smaller fish since these species generally have lower mercury levels than larger fish.
- Certifications: We prioritized items with independent certifications to ensure transparency, safety, and quality, though we included some products using other verification approaches.
- Tester reviews: Our reviewers sampled many supplements and provided direct feedback that informed our selections.
- Price: We included options across price ranges to suit different budgets.
What to consider when shopping for a fish oil supplement
- Supplement quality: Scrutinize the ingredient list and avoid products with unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. Look for third-party testing and certifications from organizations like IFOS, USP, NSF International, or the TGA.
- Omega-3 content: Aim for supplements providing about 200 to 600 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving. Some items also include ALA, a plant-based omega-3 that the body converts to EPA and DHA in limited amounts.
- Serving size: Check whether the product requires multiple capsules daily or delivers the dose in a single serving—this can affect convenience.
- Fish oil source: Prefer oils from smaller, sustainably harvested fatty fish like sardines and anchovies, which tend to be lower in mercury.
- Supplement type: Fish oil supplements come as softgels, liquids, or gummies. Choose the form that fits your preferences and routine.
- Freshness: Buy from reputable brands to ensure freshness. Some products are tested for oxidation (a sign of rancidity). Check expiration dates and avoid purchasing overly large quantities if freshness is a concern.
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil is a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids — polyunsaturated fats that are involved in many bodily functions, including inflammation regulation, immune response, heart health, and brain function.
There are three main omega-3 types:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Found mainly in fish, these are the biologically active forms the body can use directly.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Present in plant foods; the body must convert ALA to EPA and DHA to utilize it.
Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and may benefit conditions linked to chronic inflammation, particularly heart disease. EPA and DHA can also help reduce high triglyceride levels, a cardiovascular risk factor.
Omega-3s are important for eye health and development; although some studies suggest they may help with dry eye disease, findings are mixed.
They are also crucial for brain development in infants and children and may support cognitive function in older adults, potentially helping prevent age-related decline.
Useful supplement shopping guides for supplements
- How to choose high-quality vitamins and supplements
- How to read supplement labels like a pro
Potential side effects of fish oil
The most frequent side effect is fishy burps, though many “burpless” formulas claim to reduce this common but benign issue.
Digestive complaints like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation can occur. If you feel nauseous after taking fish oil, check the expiration date, as rancid oil can cause symptoms. Taking the supplement with food or lowering the dose may help.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting fish oil if you’re on medications or have health conditions, since high intakes may raise bleeding risk or suppress immune function.
The bottom line
There are many types of fish oil supplements, each from a different source and with varying amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
When shopping for an omega-3 supplement, it’s best to choose a product that’s been third-party tested to make sure the contents match the label and supplement facts panel.
You’ll also want to consider which form of supplement you prefer, such as a liquid, capsule, or gummy, and your preferred dose. However, keep in mind that more is not always better. In fact, excessive intake may do more harm than good.
For best results, try taking the supplement alongside a balanced diet to help maximize its potential benefits.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.