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Your 2021 Guide For Finding The Best Fish Oil

What to look for and what to avoid in a quality supplement + our top 3 picks of the year

Updated 03/26/2024

fish oil gel caps on scaleNot long ago, omega-3 fish oil was a little-known supplement, popular among health enthusiasts and those "in the know." Today, you can find it practically anywhere you look, from pharmacies to convenience stores and online retailers.  

That's why, when it comes to shopping for a fish oil supplement, it's easy to assume a one-size-fits-all mentality. However, not all fish oil supplements are created equal, and with so many products on the market, it can be hard tell apart the good from the bad. 

At Consumer Survey, we're here to cut through the noise. After analyzing dozens of the most competitive fish oils on the market, we put together this informative guide to help you find one that's right for you. 

Read on to learn what to look for and what to avoid in your supplement — plus, find out which top 3 fish oils made our 2021 list. 

Omega-3 Fish Oil Supports:

  • Heart and joint health
  • Immune function 
  • Memory and mood
  • Cognitive health
  • Weight management 
  • Healthy cholesterol levels

 
Choosing The Best Fish Oil Supplement For Your Needs 

The best omega-3 fish oil supplements are always sourced from high-quality, wild-caught fish that have not been treated with hormones and have been tested thoroughly for harmful contaminants.

Quality supplements will also contain effective levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, not all companies are bound by the same standards, which is why some brands are able to compete despite having inferior quality fish oil.

Here are a few tips on what to look for and what to avoid in an effective omega-3 supplement.

Your Quality Control Checklist

EPA and DHA 

EPA and DHA are the most beneficial types of omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil. 

Most health experts recommend a minimum daily allowance of 250–500 mg of EPA and DHA for healthy adults, and often recommend higher doses as needed depending on an individual's health conditions.

Third-Party Tested

Check to make sure the fish oil you select has been third-party tested. Supplements that undergo third-party testing are independently vetted for purity and potency and help promote transparency in labeling.

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil helps neutralize fish odor in the gut, preventing residual fish odors from resurfacing. Look for a product that includes lemon flavoring or lemon oil. 

What To Avoid:

  1. Misleading Labels

    "Fish oil" and "omega-3s" are often used interchangeably, however, they're not exactly the same. While fish oil contains omega-3s, like EPA and DHA, not all fish oils contain them in the same concentrations.

    Look for products that clearly label the amounts of EPA and DHA (at least 250 to 500 mg per serving).

  2. Amazon Reviews

    Millions of Americans look to Amazon reviews before purchasing their products, but most don’t realize that up to 60% are written by individuals paid to leave positive feedback.

    Risking your health with reviews that are likely false is too dangerous a game to play when you’re choosing an ingestible supplement.

The Results Are In...

We took all of these factors into account, and after reviewing dozens of supplements, only a handful offered users the right combination of ingredients and purity. According to our extensive research, these are the top 3 fish oil supplements on the market today. 

Top Picks are updated monthly based on testing and analyses:


Top Pick

5 stars

Consumers Survey Recommended

  • 2000 mg daily servings
  • 800mg of EPA
  • 600mg of DHA
  • Third-party tested 
  • 100% natural

#1: OmegaWell By Live Conscious

rating

Best Overall Omega-3 Supplement

OmegaWell tops our list with a 2000 mg daily serving size of high quality, premium fish oil. It doesn't skimp on potency, either, with a hefty offering of 800 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA



Its formula is 100% natural, with no artificial fillers, flavors, or synthetic ingredients. Customers also commented on its pleasant, natural lemon flavoring.

Plus, Live Conscious offers a solid, 365-day money-back guarantee, which shows that they stand by their product. 
  
Learn More About Our #1 Pick > >


Rating

5 stars

#2: Omega-3 by Essential elements

Great Omega-3 Supplement

Omega-3 by Essential Elements is another example of a fish oil supplement done right. Each serving is loaded with a large dose of high-quality fish oil, including 1400 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3s. Plus, all ingredients are packed into easy-swallow, lemon-flavored softgels (so no more "fish" burps).  

Essential Elements' Omega-3 uses sustainably sourced fish oil and is made in the USA under Good Manufacturing Practices. They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee to boot!
 
Order Now > >


Rating

5 stars

#3: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Good Omega-3 Supplement

Nordic Naturals rounds out our list with a decent 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA. While it's not as potent as our other top fish oils, it still offers mostly natural ingredients and a potent formula

Customers were generally happy with their results, though some complained about the capsules' strong fishy taste. Regardless, Nordic Naturals is a popular choice among fish oil consumers and deserves its spot on our list. 
 
Order Now > >


P.S. While OmegaWell from Live Conscious is the best fish oil we've found, we would still love to hear about any others you've tried. If you have had a great experience of your own, please send me an email to Beverly@ConsumersSurvey.org with the details.

Sincerely,
Beverly Gratson,
Senior Health Editor


Back to Our #1 Pick

What We Do

ConsumersSurvey uses a unique three-step approach to reviewing the most popular products in the online marketplace

  • 1. Research First we conduct in-house research with a highly qualified editorial team comprised of individuals who specialize in various fields.

  • 2. SurveyWe survey our readers who have tried the product over time in order to learn from their experiences.

  • 3. OpinionWe monitor public opinion in the world’s most popular marketplaces, from Amazon and eBay, to Bizrate and Pricegrabber.

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