Best Krill Oil Supplements in 2026

Krill oil has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional fish oil for those looking to increase their omega-3 fatty acid intake. Derived from tiny Antarctic crustaceans called krill, this supplement delivers EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, which research suggests may be more readily absorbed by the body compared to the triglyceride form found in most fish oil products.

Beyond omega-3s, krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives krill its distinctive red color and may help support cardiovascular and skin health. Many users also prefer krill oil because it is less likely to cause the fishy aftertaste and burps commonly associated with fish oil supplements.

We researched the best krill oil supplements of 2026 to help you find the right product for your needs.

What to Look For

When evaluating products in this category, we considered several important factors:

• Third-party testing: Independent lab verification (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab) helps confirm that what's on the label matches what's in the bottle.
• Ingredient transparency: Clear labeling of active ingredients, dosages, and "Other Ingredients" without proprietary blends that obscure individual amounts.
• Form and bioavailability: Some forms of nutrients absorb better than others. We prioritized products using well-researched, bioavailable forms.
• Value per serving: We calculated cost per effective dose, not just cost per capsule, since serving sizes vary between products.
• Manufacturing quality: GMP certification, clean-room production, and established brands with consistent quality track records.

Our Top 5 Krill Oil Supplements

1. Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil

Best Overall

Viva Naturals sources their krill from the pristine waters of Antarctica and provides 1,250 mg of krill oil per serving, delivering 300 mg of omega-3s (165 mg EPA, 95 mg DHA) plus 750 mcg of astaxanthin. The product is MSC certified for sustainability and third-party tested for purity.

• Krill Oil Per Serving: 1,250 mg
• EPA/DHA: 165 mg / 95 mg
• Astaxanthin: 750 mcg
• Notable Feature: MSC certified sustainable harvesting

Worth noting: As with any supplement, individual results may vary. Consider starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

2. Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil

Best Premium Option

Sports Research offers a double-strength formula providing 1,000 mg of krill oil per softgel with an impressive omega-3 profile. The product is IKOS 5-star rated for purity and potency, non-GMO verified, and comes in vanilla-flavored softgels to minimize any aftertaste.

• Krill Oil Per Serving: 1,000 mg
• EPA/DHA: 160 mg / 80 mg
• Astaxanthin: 500 mcg
• Notable Feature: IKOS 5-star certified, vanilla-flavored

Worth noting: As with any supplement, individual results may vary. Consider starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

3. Dr. Mercola Antarctic Krill Oil

Best for Astaxanthin Content

Dr. Mercola's formula stands out for its high astaxanthin content alongside a solid omega-3 profile. Each serving provides 1,000 mg of krill oil with naturally occurring astaxanthin. The product is sourced from sustainable Antarctic fisheries and uses a unique cold-extraction process to preserve nutrient integrity.

• Krill Oil Per Serving: 1,000 mg
• EPA/DHA: 120 mg / 55 mg
• Astaxanthin: Higher than average content
• Notable Feature: Cold-extraction processing preserves nutrients

Worth noting: As with any supplement, individual results may vary. Consider starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

4. MegaRed Superior Omega-3 Krill Oil

Best Widely Available Option

MegaRed is one of the most recognizable krill oil brands, available at virtually every pharmacy and grocery store. Their Superior Omega-3 formula provides 350 mg of krill oil per softgel in a small, easy-to-swallow capsule. For those new to krill oil, the accessibility and brand recognition make it a comfortable starting point.

• Krill Oil Per Serving: 350 mg
• EPA/DHA: 50 mg / 24 mg
• Astaxanthin: Present
• Notable Feature: Widely available, small softgel size

Worth noting: As with any supplement, individual results may vary. Consider starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

5. NOW Foods Neptune Krill Oil 500 mg

Best Budget Option

NOW Foods delivers reliable quality at an accessible price. Each softgel provides 500 mg of Neptune krill oil (NKO), a patented form that has been used in numerous clinical studies. The enteric-coated softgels help minimize any fishy aftertaste, and NOW's rigorous GMP standards ensure consistent quality.

• Krill Oil Per Serving: 500 mg
• EPA/DHA: 60 mg / 35 mg
• Astaxanthin: 200 mcg
• Notable Feature: Patented NKO krill oil used in clinical research

Worth noting: As with any supplement, individual results may vary. Consider starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to your routine.

Why Choose Krill Oil Over Fish Oil

Phospholipid-Bound Omega-3s

The omega-3s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, which research suggests may allow for better integration into cell membranes compared to the triglyceride form in fish oil. Some studies indicate that lower doses of krill oil may achieve similar blood levels of omega-3s as higher doses of fish oil.

Built-In Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidants. Research suggests it may help support cardiovascular health, skin integrity, and exercise recovery. Its presence in krill oil provides additional benefits not found in standard fish oil.

Sustainability

Antarctic krill is one of the most abundant biomass species on the planet. Reputable brands source from MSC-certified fisheries that carefully manage harvest levels to protect the ecosystem.

Minimal Aftertaste

Most krill oil users report little to no fishy aftertaste or burping, which is a common complaint with traditional fish oil supplements.

Final Thoughts

Krill oil is a compelling option for anyone seeking high-quality omega-3 supplementation with added antioxidant benefits. The phospholipid delivery system, natural astaxanthin content, and minimal aftertaste make it an attractive alternative to traditional fish oil. Choose a sustainably sourced, third-party tested product from this list and consider making krill oil a consistent part of your wellness routine.

Related Articles

• Best Omega-3 Supplements for Heart Health in 2026
• Best Resveratrol Supplements for Heart Health in 2026
• Natural Alternatives to Statins for Cholesterol Support

Key Research

• A large 2022 meta-analysis found that vitamin D supplementation was associated with reduced risk of autoimmune disease (BMJ, 2022).
• The Endocrine Society recommends adults at risk of deficiency maintain serum levels of at least 30 ng/mL (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011).
• A 2019 meta-analysis found vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infections (BMJ, 2019).

Food as Medicine Guide for a comprehensive overview