Omega-3 supplements, like fish oil, are popular for those seeking a natural way to improve overall health. Krill oil, sourced from tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans, is an alternative supplement to fish oil. Krill oil is high in the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which offer various health benefits by being more bioavailable to the body. ( 1 )
Though adding krill oil to your diet is an easy and effective way to boost your health, finding the best supplement can be challenging. To help you make the right choice, our team of nutrition experts analyzed dozens of products and narrowed down our top picks based on quality, price, safety, customer reviews, and more. Below are our top five picks for the best krill oil supplements.
Editor’s choice: Onnit Krill Oil
Sourced from Antarctic waters, Onnit Krill Oil earns our pick as the editor’s choice. Not only is Onnit Krill Oil a high quality, sustainably sourced product, but it’s also affordable and free from common allergens like gluten and soy.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best krill oil
- Best purity: Onnit Krill Oil
- Best for absorption: Transparent Labs Krill Oil
- Best budget: Nutricost Krill Oil
- Best for pregnancy: Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
- Best for menstrual discomfort: Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Compare krill oil supplements
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| Onnit Krill Oil | Transparent Labs Krill Oil | Nutricost Krill Oil | Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil | Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex | |
| Rating | |||||
| Cost per serving | $1 | $1.17 | $1.07 | $0.52 | $2.72 |
| Serving size | 2 softgels | 2 softgels | 2 softgels | 1 softgel | 2 softgels |
| Servings per container | 30 | 30 | 30 | 60 | 30 |
Best krill oil supplement for purity: Onnit Krill Oil
Key product features
What you should know
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to boost your intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fats, Onnit Krill Oil can help.
- One of the reasons we love Onnit Krill Oil is that its krill oil supplier is certified by Friend of the Sea, a sustainable fisheries certification that ensures seafood products, like krill, are responsibly caught and managed.
- This product costs $1 per serving, which is right in the middle of our other top krill oil choices in terms of price point.
- Onnit Krill Oil is a good choice for those looking for an easy way to increase their intake of omega-3s.
Why we like Onnit Krill Oil as best purity
To make their softgel supplements, Onnit packs high-quality, sustainably harvested, pure krill oil harvested from the Antarctic Ocean into easy-to-swallow, great-tasting softgels that don’t leave a fishy aftertaste. Just two of these softgels pack 240 milligrams of omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, plus 200mcg of astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant with powerful cellular-protective properties. ( 2 )
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that gives krill its pinkish color. Research shows that consuming enough astaxanthin, whether in your regular diet or via supplements, may benefit health in several ways, including protecting against cognitive decline and supporting heart health. ( 3 )
The omega-3s found in krill oil, like Onnit’s supplement, tend to be more bioavailable (easily absorbed by the body) than the ones found in fish oil. This is because most of the omega-3s in krill oil are bound to fats called phospholipids, while the omega-3s in fish oil are in triglyceride-bound form. Some evidence suggests that phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA may be more available to the body than triglyceride-bound forms. However, more research on this possible benefit is needed, as not all studies have found krill oil bioavailability superior to fish oil. ( 4 )
In addition to providing omega-3s and astaxanthin, both of which may benefit health, Onnit Krill oil uses sustainably harvested krill oil and is free from major allergens like gluten and soy. And at $1 a serving, it’s a relatively affordable supplement, too. Customers can sign up for a subscription to save even more money.
One way we’d like to see Onnit improve is by participating in third-party testing. Third-party testing helps ensure that supplements are free from harmful contaminants and meet quality and safety standards.
What customers are saying
Overall, Onnit Krill Oil has generally positive customer reviews. Customers seem to like the easy-to-swallow softgels, and they don’t find them to have a fishy aftertaste like other krill oil supplements.
“There isn’t any weird fishy aftertaste like with some supplements. I’ve taken a handful of different Omega-3 supplements and this has been my favorite.”
Trevor, VitaCost
Though negative reviews are limited, some customers report that taking the supplement upsets their stomachs. Verified Vitacost reviewer RyanDay reported that taking Onnit Krill Oil made him feel queasy. “It had a fine taste but since I couldn’t stomach it.”
Specs
| Serving size | Two softgels |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1 |
| Omega-3s per serving | 240mg |
| Astaxanthin per serving | 200mcg |
Best krill oil supplement for athletes: Transparent Labs Krill Oil
Key product features
What you should know
If quality and safety are your main concerns, Transparent Labs Krill Oil may be a solid choice. This supplement is third-party tested and Informed Choice certified, making it an excellent option for athletes.
- We love that Transparent Labs Krill Oil contains Superba 2™, which is a highly concentrated and well-researched form of krill oil.
- Each serving costs $1.17, which is on the higher end for krill oil supplements.
- This product is a good choice for those looking for a natural way to boost brain health, as it’s packed with EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and choline, a nutrient that plays important roles in brain health.
Why we like Transparent Labs Krill Oil as best for athletes
Transparent Labs takes supplement safety and efficacy seriously, so it’s easy to understand why it’s a popular brand amongst athletes. Many of the brand’s supplements, including the Krill Oil supplement, are Informed-Choice Trusted by Sport, which certifies that supplements have been regularly tested for substances banned in sports, such as anabolic agents and stimulants.
Transparent Labs Krill oil is made with Superba 2™, a highly concentrated and well-researched form of krill oil that’s been linked to several health benefits. Superba™ contains choline, a nutrient that may influence athletic performance. Choline is needed to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction. Supplementing with choline can help boost levels of this nutrient during and after strenuous exercise, enhancing athletic performance by supporting optimal muscle function. ( 5 )
A 2020 study of 47 triathlon athletes found that participants who consumed four grams of Superba Boost ™ krill oil daily for five weeks before the race had significantly higher choline concentrations before and after completing the triathlon than the placebo group. ( 5 )
Each two-softgel serving of Transparent Labs Krill Oil provides 50mg of choline, 100 mcg of astaxanthin, and 220mg of omega-3s. Superba 2™ is harvested from sustainably sourced Antarctic krill and is one of the highest-quality krill oils you can take.
Additionally, all Transparent Labs supplements are third-party tested for quality and purity, so you can rest assured that you’re purchasing an exceptionally safe product.
Transparent Labs Krill Oil is also free from major allergens, like gluten and soy, and is GMO-free. Though $1.17 per serving makes this product a little pricier than other products on the market, customers can sign up for a subscription to save around 10% on their order.
Specs
| Serving size | Two softgels |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.17 |
| Omega-3s per serving | 220mg |
| Astaxanthin per serving | 100mcg |
| Choline per serving | 50mg |
Best budget krill oil supplement: Nutricost Krill Oil
Key product features
What you should know
Nutricost Krill Oil provides a high-quality, affordable supplement that’s effective and third-party tested.
- We like that Nutricost Krill Oil is made with Superba2, a high-quality krill oil that contains EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin.
- Each serving costs $1.07, which is lower than many krill oil products on the market.
- Nutricost Krill Oil is a good choice for those on a budget, as it’s an inexpensive, yet high-quality product.
Why we like Nutricost Krill Oil as best budget
Some omega-3 supplements can be pricey, which makes finding a high-quality krill oil product difficult for those on a budget. Fortunately, Nutricost Krill Oil is much less expensive than most other krill oil products, with each two-capsule serving costing just $1.07.
While Nutricost Krill Oil is cheaper than other options, it uses the same high-quality krill oil found in more expensive krill oil products: Superba2. This krill oil is highly bioavailable, with omega-3s and choline harvested from the Antarctic ocean.
A two softgel serving of Nutricost Krill Oil contains 170mg of EPA and DHA and 100mcg of astaxanthin, making it a solid choice to support your overall health, including the health of your cardiovascular system.
We also appreciate that Nutricost supplements are third-party tested, ensuring the supplement contains exactly what’s stated on the label and is free from unsafe contaminants.
What customers are saying
Nutricost Krill Oil has mostly positive ratings on Amazon, with many customers satisfied with the cost and quality of the product.
“I like Krill oil because it doesn’t give me the fishy burps like regular fish oil caps do. The gel caps are also very easy to swallow.”
Ken, Amazon
However, many reviews mention that Nutricost Krill Oil has a fishy smell and taste.
Amazon customer J. Klopfer wasn’t a fan of the smell. “This is my first time buying this product. I open the container and there is a strong fishy smell that takes over the room,” he writes. “I’ve used other krill oil products and this is a first. It makes me wonder if these are rancid.”
Specs
| Serving size | Two softgels |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.07 |
| Omega-3s per serving | 170mg |
| Astaxanthin per serving | 100mcg |
Best krill oil supplement for pregnancy: Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
Key product features
What you should know
When you’re pregnant, your need for omega-3s increases. Adding a high-quality krill oil product, like Sports Research Antarctic Krill, can support your and your baby’s health.
- We like that Sports Research Antarctic Krill is third-party tested for quality and purity, which is especially important during pregnancy as it ensures that products contain what they say they do and are free from potentially harmful contaminants.
- Sports Research Krill Oil costs $.52 per serving, making it the most affordable option on our list.
- This product is a good choice for people who want to boost their omega-3 intake during pregnancy without breaking the bank.
Why we like Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil as best for pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, your body requires more omega-3 fatty acids to support fetal growth and development—especially the development of the fetal nervous system. This is why health organizations recommend pregnant women take at least 200mg of DHA daily. ( 6 ) Meeting or exceeding this recommendation can help reduce the risk of pregnancy and birth-related complications, including preterm birth. ( 6 ) DHA has also been shown to increase in breast milk, which can be beneficial for the baby. ( 7 )
Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil contains 240mg of omega-3s, including 60mg of DHA per softgel. While the addition of DHA is helpful, it’s not enough to cover your daily needs. You’ll need to ensure you’re still adding other sources of omega-3s to your diet, like fatty fish.
Our tester reported that Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil did have a strong fishy odor. He noted that the product had a “potent fishy smell in the bottle” that became even more potent when he put the softgel in his mouth.
Our tester also wasn’t a fan of the size of the softgel. “It felt like it got stuck at the bottom of my throat before I drank a full glass of water,” he said.
Aside from these hiccups, our team likes that, like Nutricost, Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil contains Superba2 krill oil, which is considered a high-quality and bioavailable form of krill oil. We also appreciate that Sports Research products go through third-party testing, so you can feel good knowing that what’s on the ingredient label is exactly what’s in the supplement.
In addition to being third-party tested and using a quality form of krill oil, Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil is free from gluten, GMO-free, and contains krill oil from MSC-certified fisheries.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil has mostly positive reviews, with many customers reporting that they were happy with the excellent quality and price.
“Great product at a fair price!!!”
Mark M., Amazon
Although customers seem satisfied with the overall quality of the product, the size of the softgel and the odor and aftertaste of the supplement were issues for some customers. Amazon customer DiddlyBop commented, “My dermatologist recommended krill oil for eczema, but it gave me the worst fish burps.”
Specs
| Serving size | One softgel |
| Servings per container | 60 |
| Price per serving | $0.52 |
| Omega-3s per serving | 240mg |
| Astaxanthin per serving | 100mcg |
Best krill oil supplement for menstrual discomfort: Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Key product features
What you should know
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex contains high-quality krill oil and a powerful dose of astaxanthin, which may help relieve period-related pain.
- We love that Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex contains NKO® krill oil, which is certified sustainable by the marine conservation group Friend of the Sea.
- Each serving costs $2.72, making it the most expensive product in our roundup.
- Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex is a smart choice for those with food allergies, as it’s free from most major allergens.
Why we like Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex as best for menstrual discomfort
Many women experience painful symptoms, like cramps, during their periods. Studies show that taking omega-3 supplements, like krill oil, may be helpful for women who experience pain during their time of the month.
A 2024 review of 12 studies found that women who took omega-3 supplements ranging in doses from 300-1,800mg per day for two to three months experienced reductions in period-related pain and pain medicine use. ( 8 ) Though Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex contains less than 300mg of omega-3s per serving, those experiencing menstrual pain may find relief when taking more than one dose of this product.
In addition to omega-3s, Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex provides a high amount of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, delivering 396mcg per serving, which may benefit overall health, including the health of the cardiovascular system, by reducing inflammation and supporting blood vessel health. ( 3 )
We appreciate that Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex is third-party tested by independent labs and is free from major allergens like tree nuts, gluten, and soy.
However, Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex is the most expensive product on this list, costing $2.72 per serving, so it may be beyond many people’s budgets.
What customers are saying
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex has high ratings on Amazon, with customer reviews mentioning that the product worked well and supported their health during their cycle.
“Amazing! I see the difference on my period. Really supports the menstrual cycle.”
Sibele M., Amazon
Customers also seem happy with the taste and quality of the product. However, some reviews mention that the price is too high.
“I like the product and was about to order a second bottle of this until I saw that it has gone up in price by $30.00 since I ordered it last month,” writes Amazon customer CJ. “Maybe a little increase I could understand, but $30.00 in a month??? I was already splurging to order it at last month’s price.”
Specs
| Serving size | Two softgels |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $2.72 |
| Omega-3s per serving | 276mg |
| Astaxanthin per serving | 396mcg |
Our supplement testing methodology
With so many dietary supplements to choose from, picking out a product that’s both high quality and works for your specific health needs can be challenging. To make it easier for you to find a safe and effective option, our team analyzed dozens of krill oil products using criteria like quality, effectiveness, safety, and price to narrow down the best supplements on the market.
Learn more about supplement testing methodology here.
Testing criteria
Efficacy—40%
Our team analyzes each supplement, as well as clinical evidence that backs a supplement’s claims, health benefits, dose efficacy, and more. Here’s what we look at to find the most effective krill oil supplements:
- Clinical evidence
- Dose efficacy
- Synergistic ingredients
- Company claims
Safety and side effects—35%
Safety is our top priority and we ensure that all of the supplements we recommend are considered safe to take and not associated with serious adverse side effects. Here’s what we look for when assessing supplement safety:
- Reported side effects
- Third-party testing
- Potentially harmful ingredients
- Medication interactions
- Dangerous or inappropriate label claims
Value—20%
We understand that everyone’s working with a different budget and we think it’s important to include supplements that are both effective and affordable. The factors we look at for this area of testing include:
- Price per serving
Customer experience—5%
To evaluate customer experience, our team looks at every reason a customer may (or may not) return to brand. The factors we consider for this rating include:
- Ease of purchase
- Shipping and returns
- Customer support
- Reported effectiveness
Benefits of krill oil
Research shows that supplementing with krill oil can benefit health in several ways, including reducing heart disease risk factors like high LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improving arthritis-related pain. ( 4 , 9 , 10 )
May be effective for lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that harms heart health when levels get too high in the body.
High triglycerides are common in people with diabetes, overweight or obese people, and those who follow unhealthy diets. Fortunately, following a nutritious eating pattern, losing excess body fat, and taking certain supplements, especially those rich in omega-3s, like krill oil, are all effective ways to reduce triglycerides. ( 9 )
A 2020 review of 64 studies found that krill oil supplementation was associated with significantly lower triglyceride levels than control treatments. A 2023 review of 14 studies found that krill oil supplements effectively lower triglyceride levels. ( 4 , 10 )
In addition to reducing triglycerides, taking krill oil supplements may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Having high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. The 2023 review mentioned above found that krill oil supplementation helped lower LDL levels. ( 10 )
Though researchers are still investigating the mechanisms behind krill oil’s blood lipid-lowering effects, it’s thought that the EPA and DHA in krill oil increase the breakdown of fatty acids, stimulate cholesterol excretion, and interfere with intestinal cholesterol absorption and the production of lipids by the liver. ( 11 , 12 )
May improve blood vessel function
Another way in which taking krill oil supplements may benefit heart health is by improving blood vessel function. The endothelium is a layer of cells that lines the body’s blood vessels and is essential for healthy blood flow. Endothelial dysfunction occurs when this layer of cells doesn’t function properly, negatively impacting blood flow and heart health. ( 13 )
Taking omega-3-rich dietary supplements, like krill oil, may improve endothelial dysfunction, which could lower heart disease risk.
A 2015 study of 47 people with type 2 diabetes found that those who took krill oil for four weeks experienced improvements in their endothelial function as well as improvements in insulin resistance compared to those who received an olive oil treatment. Insulin is a hormone that helps shuttle blood sugar into cells where it can be used for energy. Insulin resistance is associated with diabetes and many other health conditions, including endothelial dysfunction. ( 14 )
Participants who completed a longer supplementation regimen of 17 weeks significantly improved their endothelial function and increased their heart-protective HDL cholesterol levels. ( 14 )
Researchers think that krill oil’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve insulin sensitivity make it an effective way to protect and improve the health of the endothelium.
May improve arthritis pain
Krill oil is packed with DHA and EPA, which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may suppress inflammatory responses in the body. Supplementing with krill oil may especially benefit people with inflammatory disorders like arthritis. ( 1 )
Taking krill oil supplements may soothe arthritis-related pain and improve mobility in people with arthritis by reducing inflammation levels. ( 15 )
A 2022 study that included 265 people diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis found that those who took four grams of krill oil per day for six months had greater improvements in knee pain, knee stiffness, and physical function compared to those who took a placebo treatment. ( 15 )
However, research findings on krill oil’s effects on arthritis-related pain are conflicting, with some showing no benefit. For this reason, more research is needed. ( 16 )
Related: Best multivitamins of 2024
Potential side effects of krill oil
Krill oil is generally considered safe to take. However, it’s worth noting that krill oil supplements may interact with certain medications and increase the risk of bleeding in some people.
For example, omega-3 supplements, like krill oil, may reduce blood clotting, which could thin the blood and increase bleeding risk, especially in people taking blood-thinning medications like Warfarin. Some experts also recommend avoiding taking omega-3 supplements, like krill oil, before surgery, as they may increase bleeding risk. ( 17 )
Additionally, taking krill oil supplements may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and belching, especially when taken in high doses. Other possible side effects include headache and bad breath, but most people don’t experience these side effects when taking krill oil. ( 17 )
FAQs
What’s the best krill oil supplement to buy?
The best krill oil for you depends on your health goals, budget, and the dose required for your specific health needs.
Do doctors recommend krill oil supplements?
Are krill oil supplements safe for the liver?
Yes, krill oil is generally considered safe and hasn’t been associated with adverse liver side effects. However, if you have any health condition, including a disease that impacts the liver, it’s best to clear all supplements, including krill oil supplements, with your healthcare provider. ( 4 , 10 )
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Jillian Kubala, RD
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer