Top 5 Krill Oil Supplements – Full Analysis, Reviews & Buying Guide (2023)

Krill oil is extracted from krill, a small crustacean that grows all over the world’s ocean. This marine species looks very similar to shrimp, but it belongs to a different taxa. The most abundant supply of krill is the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) [*]

Krill oil is an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. EPA and DHA) that is commonly sourced from fish. Consumption of EPA and DHA demonstrates a variety of health benefits [**]. 

EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce oxidative stress related to a variety of degenerative diseases. Both EPA and DHA play an important role in cardiovascular, eye, brain, joint, and immune health [***]

Although both krill and fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil has better bioavailability. In other words, omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil absorbs better in the body thus having greater potential health benefits [**]. 

Krill oil also contains a compound known as astaxanthin. This compound has antioxidant properties, and it’s demonstrated an ability to increase good cholesterol (HDL-C) [*]. 

Krill oil also differs from fish oil supplements in pill size. Fish oil supplements come in large softgel pills that are hard to swallow, while krill oil supplements come in smaller pills that are easier to consume. There are also claims that krill oil supplements have less fishy aftertaste [*]. 

The popularity of krill oil has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of krill oil supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!

We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.

What To Look For

• Improves memory and brain function
• Promotes joint and bone health
• Powerful anti-inflammatory
• Improves cardiovascular and heart health
• Promotes digestive health
• Contains essential fatty acids

Things To Be Cautious About

Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.

Does your krill oil supplement contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.

No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.

Top 5 Krill Oil Supplements

The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Krill Oil Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

1. Nature’s Bounty Krill Oil

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

2. Swanson Krill Oil

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

3. Kirkland Krill Oil

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

4. Now Krill Oil

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

5. Doctor’s Best Krill Plus

*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.

Ranking Factors

Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.

Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.

Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.

Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.

We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.

*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.

Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.

Sources and Citations

1. Krill Oil for Cardiovascular Risk Prevention: Is It for Real? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4252213/
2. Effects of krill oil and lean and fatty fish on cardiovascular risk markers: a randomised controlled trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773922/
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits… https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/
4. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834330/