The Best Omega-3 Supplements Recommended by Experts

Sports Research Omega-3 Fish Oil softgels contain 1,040 milligrams (mg) of omega-3s from wild-caught Alaska pollock per serving. Fish oil supplements can be derived from various sources of fish, including anchovies, sardines, and the pollock in this supplement. There’s no evidence in favor of a single fish source versus multiple sources, as all are adequate sources of these essential fats.

EPA and DHA are the most common omega-3s derived from both fish and plants that are typically found in higher amounts in supplements. The amount of EPA and DHA is often listed on the label, however, most omega-3 supplements also contain other omega-3s, though the exact types and totals are not listed on the label.

Sports Research holds several certifications that show the company goes the extra mile to ensure quality, such as a Marine Stewardship Council certification as sustainable and a current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) designation. These credentials demonstrate that the product is manufactured using sustainable methods and meets the highest quality standards. This product is also certified as meeting International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), which means it meets the highest quality, purity, and safety standards. Finally, the brand is certified by the International GMO Evaluation and Notification Program (IGEN), which attests that the final product doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms.

Customers can request a certificate of analysis for every Sports Research product to verify that what is on the label matches what is in the product. Our research found that the capsules are rather large, which may be a downside if you’re not a fan of swallowing pills, but the daily dose is only one softgel, so it may be manageable if you take it 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.

This supplement comes in three fun flavors — Chirpin’ Slurpin’ Lemonade, Lip Smackin Citrus, and Hooty Fruity Tangerine — to suit your child’s taste. “Barlean’s Omega Pals fish oil is a great option for kids. It has a fruity flavor and a smoothielike consistency that kids can enjoy by the spoonful,” says Vanessa Imus, RDN, owner of Integrated Nutrition for Weight Loss in Bothell, Washington.

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.

Viva Naturals has several certifications. It’s 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.

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.

Now Foods is a member of the Global Organization of EPA and DHA Omega-3s, which conducts regular testing to ensure that supplement manufacturers are committed to integrity, responsible behavior, and the continued creation of quality products. Now is also certified by Friend of the Sea, ensuring that its ingredients meet global standards for sustainable seafood and handling practices that protect the marine environment.

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 the fish burps, Nature Made Burp-Less Fish Oil supplement is designed to reduce fish burps and smells. One softgel contains 1,000 mg of EPA, DHA, and other omega-3 fats in triglyceride form. Nature Made is a quality supplement maker that has put in over 50 years of research on its products.

All Nature Made products are third-party tested, many by United States Pharmacopeia (USP), one of the most reputable third-party testing bodies. “You can trust that products verified as meeting USP's rigorous auditing, review, and testing criteria contain the ingredients listed on the label in the declared strengths and amounts,” says Emily Rose Britton, PhD, senior market development manager at USP.

Nature Made also employs a team of healthcare experts, such as researchers, naturopathic doctors, and registered dietitians, to keep up with current research and ensure that the company's products are backed by science. Its products are free of artificial colors and flavors, and purified to remove mercury and other contaminants.

‌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.