The Best Omega-3 Supplements, Recommended by Experts

Fish oil supplements can be derived from various fish, including anchovies, sardines, and pollock. There’s no evidence in favor of a single fish source versus multiple sources; all are considered adequate sources of these essential fats.

Mindbodygreen Omega-3 Potency+ softgels contain 1,714 milligrams (mg) of omega-3s from wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish from the South Pacific. Of the total omega-3 content, these softgels contain 857 mg of EPA, 643 mg of DHA, and 214 mg of other omega-3 fatty acids.

The fish oil in this supplement is certified by the third-party testing organization Orivo. Mindbodygreen utilizes four rounds of third-party testing to verify ingredient quantities, purity, and safety. Our research found that the capsules are rather large, which may be a downside if you’re not a fan of swallowing pills. The daily dose is two softgels, so be sure to take this supplement with a good amount of water.

“Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X stands out because it provides 2,150 mg of omega-3s per serving, making it one of the strongest options available for men looking to help support their heart health, brain function, and immune strength. I also trust the quality of Nordic Natural’s products. This product is made from 100 percent wild-caught sardines and backed by rigorous third-party testing to ensure that they’re free from environmental toxins,” says Caitlin Beale, RDN, owner of Caitlin Beale Wellness in San Francisco.

Nordic Naturals provides a certificate of analysis for every product batch. Enter the bottle lot on the website to get the third-party testing results about the product’s quality, potency, and freshness.

The company has several safeguards to ensure optimal safety, purity, and quality, such as stringent testing for heavy metals and other potential toxins during pregnancy. The test results are transparently displayed on the brand website to increase trust. FullWell is also certified by Friend of the Sea, which ensures that the ingredients meet global standards for sustainable seafood and handling practices that protect the marine environment.

MaryRuth’s Kids Omega-3 Gummies are our top pick for the best omega-3 supplement for children ages 2 years and up. The product contains vegan omega-3 ALA derived from flaxseed oil. The gummies are orange-flavored and sweetened with stevia and the sugar alcohol xylitol.

The gummies are also vegan, sugar-free, and free of artificial sweeteners and colors. In addition, MaryRuth’s products are Clean Label Project certified. The Clean Label Project is a third-party agency that tests for the presence of more than 200 potential toxins and contaminants. However, these gummies contain only about 30 mg of omega-3, which may be insufficient for children who don’t regularly eat fish or other omega-3-rich foods.

Now Foods Omega-3 Fish Oil is the most affordable supplement on our list yet is still a high-quality product. Now is a reputable supplement maker that has been around since the 1960s. “Now Food’s Omega-3 supplement is the best bang for your buck, as you get 100 servings for only $12.99 per bottle,” says Kat Durston, RDN, owner of Naturally Good Nutrition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Even though it’s affordable, Now Foods Omega-3 Fish Oil provides an adequate ratio of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in triglyceride form and is third-party tested for safety and quality, she adds. It’s also CGMP certified, and the company conducts over 31,000 quality tests on its products per month.

The omega-3 fats are derived from quality marine sources like anchovies, sardines, and tuna, and two softgels provide a 600 mg dose of combined EPA and DHA. Our research found a few downsides, such as a fishy smell and fish burps, both of which are common with omega-3 supplements.

Viva Naturals has several certifications. It’s International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) certified, which means it meets the highest quality, purity, and safety standards, and its products are Labdoor Quality and Sport certified, which requires quality testing and certifications on an annual basis and ensures that products are free from banned athletic substances.

Omega-3-rich fish are a source of the health-promoting fats because they feed on algae. Momentous notes that these capsules are 100 percent vegan and free of fish, gelatin, and animal-derived fillers.

The supplement contains 1,000 mg of omega-3s EPA and DHA in a two-softgel serving. All Momentous products are third-party tested, and the company shares its testing results on the product page for each supplement. According to our research, however, these capsules are large and may have a fishy taste. They also require refrigeration, which can be inconvenient for people who travel often.

Thorne Super EPA is our top pick for a fish oil supplement from multiple sources that is in triglyceride form. It contains 695 mg of combined DHA and EPA, derived from three quality omega-3 sources: sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Thorne is favored by registered dietitians for its third-party testing and the quality sourcing of its ingredients. Fish oil supplements differ from krill or cod liver oil supplements because they are typically derived from a variety of omega-3-rich fish versus just one.

“I love Thorne's omega-3 supplement because it's third-party tested and sustainably sourced — two important qualities to look for in a nutrition supplement,” says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, based in Washington, DC. “Because the supplement industry is not tightly regulated, third-party testing helps us be assured of the quality of the supplements we choose. Choosing omega-3s from the sustainably sourced fish present in this product also benefits your health and the environment.”

We appreciate that this product is NSF Certified for Sport, a reputable third-party testing designation that isn’t easy to obtain and ensures that the supplement is free of banned athletic substances. “Thorne’s EPA goes through molecular distillation,” adds Durston. “This process removes contaminants from the supplement, including heavy metals.”

The gelcaps are fairly large, however, which can be a downside if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Kori is a well-known and reputable krill oil brand. Krill oil is derived from very small, shrimp-like crustaceans called krill. Like other fatty fish such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna, krill are rich in omega-3s and other beneficial nutrients.

Kori uses a pure form of krill oil that’s highly absorbable due to phospholipids (compounds that bind to omega-3 fats and help your body take them up more efficiently). “Krill oil offers better absorption than fish oil, with nutrients in a familiar form that our cells absorb,” says Lauren Harris-Pincus, RDN, owner of NutritionStarringYou.com, who is based in New Jersey.

Kori products are third-party tested. All of its krill oil comes from a certified sustainable krill fishery. Kori also partners with the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies.

While this product isn’t third-party tested, it holds quality certifications from IFOS and IGEN; the latter ensures that the final product doesn’t contain GMOs. The company is also certified by Friend of the Sea and by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council as a women-owned company.

This product may cause wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath in people with asthma. If you have asthma, avoid this product and speak to your doctor for a suitable alternative.

If you don’t like (or have trouble) swallowing pills, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Gummy Chews are a quality choice. They provide a generous dose of 1,050 mg of combined EPA and DHA in just two gummies and are completely sugar-free. The omega-3s are sustainably sourced and are derived from anchovies and sardines.

These gummies have a high dose of concentrated omega-3s from wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish. “Plus, the gummies contain zero sugar, gluten, milk derivatives, or synthetic dyes, which you commonly find in other gummy products,” says Durston. These chews are third-party tested and use the triglyceride form for optimal absorption.

If you’re tired of fishy burps, Puori Ultra-Pure Omega-3s are formulated to help reduce both the aftertaste and lingering smells. Three softgels contain 2,000 mg of EPA, DHA, and other omega-3 fats in triglyceride form. All Puori products are third-party tested and Clean Label Certified. You can view the lab results by scanning the QR code on the bottle or entering your batch number on the Puori O3 Fish Oil Capsules test results page.

Puori’s fish oil is also from IFOS- and Friend of the Sea-certified sources. Its products are free of artificial ingredients. The serving size consists of three large capsules, which may be inconvenient for people who dislike pills or who have trouble swallowing them. Additionally, the softgels may stick together, especially if they were shipped in warmer weather.

‌Ritual Omega-3 capsules are infused with natural citrus to enhance the flavor and minimize the fishy taste. “Ritual Omega-3 is a vegan formula sourced from microalgae, a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional fish oil,” says Beale. “The microalgae are harvested sustainably using eco-friendly practices, and every batch is traceable, so you know exactly where your supplement comes from.” Ritual also uses a patented technology to protect the product's contents from oxidation (breaking down).

Ritual products are third-party tested for heavy metals and harmful bacteria, and the company employs a scientific advisory board of medical doctors, registered dietitians, and scientists who perform ongoing research to further ensure the optimal safety, quality, and effectiveness of its products. Ritual’s ingredients are fully traceable: You can find where they come from on the company's Traceable Ingredients webpage.

Since this product is derived from microalgae and doesn’t contain gelatin, it’s considered vegetarian and vegan. However, our research found that some capsules were filled to different levels. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, Ritual offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

A common complaint that Scheinman hears about omega-3 supplements is that the pills are too large to swallow. The small capsules for Freshfield Vegan Omega-3 are very easy to swallow and don’t have an unpleasant aftertaste. A smaller sized pill can also be helpful for someone who takes several supplements or medications.

“Freshfield Vegan Omega-3 has all the things I look for in an omega-3 supplement, like an adequate dose of combined omega-3s and third-party testing,” Scheinman says. “The smaller pill size makes it a great option for anyone who struggles with larger-sized omega-3s.”

Sports Research Vegan Omega-3 is our top choice for the best-tasting omega-3 supplement. It’s made from algae oil, rather than fish oil, so it is a good option for people following a vegan diet. Many customers like the lemon flavor and report no aftertaste or fishy burps. Sports Research is a well-respected supplement maker that is recognized for its third-party testing, sustainable sourcing practices, and carrageenan-free products.

“For vegans, people allergic to fish, or those who prefer a plant-based omega-3, Sports Research Vegan Omega-3 is a great choice. It’s made from 100 percent plant-based algae oil that is sustainably sourced and has no fishy aftertaste,” says Scheinman.

When choosing a supplement, Scheinman looks for products that are third-party tested, because it demonstrates the manufacturer's commitment to quality and transparency. “I appreciate that Sports Research backs its products with third-party certifications, giving me extra confidence in what I recommend to my clients,” she says. This product is also certified for CGMPs, providing an additional layer of quality and safety.

However, it’s important to note a discrepancy between the total amount of DHA and EPA listed on the product page and the labeled amounts. Whereas the label touts 980 mg of DHA and EPA, the product description states that it contains 630 mg of omega-3s per serving. A few customers reported receiving a product claiming 770 mg per serving. Contact the manufacturer if you notice any discrepancies and request a refund.