If you’ve ever shopped for a fish oil supplement, you’ve probably seen krill oil sitting right next to it and wondered: aren’t they basically the same thing?
They’re similar, but not identical. Both options provide omega 3 fatty acids, which are widely used for everyday wellness routines. The differences come down to where the oil comes from, how the omega-3s are packaged, and what might suit your body and preferences best.
In this guide, we’ll break down omega 3 vs krill oil in plain English, so you can choose confidently.
First: what is omega 3?
Omega 3 refers to a family of essential fatty acids—meaning your body can’t make enough on its own, so you need to get them from food or supplements.
The most talked-about omega-3s are:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
These are found mainly in oily fish and marine oils. There’s also ALA, an omega-3 found in plant foods (like flax and chia), but ALA must be converted into EPA and DHA—and that conversion isn’t very efficient for many people.
That’s why marine-based omega-3 supplements (fish oil and krill oil) are so popular.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is typically extracted from oily fish such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or salmon.
A standard fish oil supplement provides EPA and DHA in a concentrated form, making it an easy way to increase omega-3 intake—especially if you don’t eat oily fish regularly.
Fish oil is often chosen for:
- A straightforward way to top up omega-3 intake
- Higher-dose EPA/DHA options
- Value (often more omega-3 per capsule)
What is krill oil?
Krill oil comes from krill—tiny shrimp-like crustaceans found in the ocean.
Krill oil also provides EPA and DHA (so yes, it’s still omega 3), but it tends to differ from fish oil in a few key ways:
- Some of the omega-3s are bound to phospholipids
- It naturally contains astaxanthin, a red antioxidant pigment
These differences are often part of why people consider krill oil.
Omega 3 vs krill oil: the main differences
1) Form: triglycerides/ethyl esters vs phospholipids
Fish oil omega-3s are commonly in triglyceride form (or sometimes ethyl ester form, depending on processing).
Krill oil contains a meaningful portion of omega-3s attached to phospholipids.
Why it matters: some people find krill oil feels easier to digest, and there’s ongoing interest in whether phospholipid-bound omega-3s are absorbed differently.
Practical takeaway: if you’ve tried fish oil and didn’t love how it felt, krill oil can be worth considering.
2) Dose: fish oil often delivers more EPA/DHA per serving
If your goal is a higher daily intake of EPA and DHA, fish oil often makes it easier to reach that target because many products are more concentrated.
Krill oil supplements can be lower-dose per capsule, meaning you may need more capsules to match a high-strength fish oil.
Practical takeaway: for higher-dose omega-3 routines, fish oil is often the more efficient option.
3) Taste and “fishy burps”
This is a big one in real life.
Some people experience fishy aftertaste or burps with fish oil (especially if taken on an empty stomach).
Many users report krill oil is less likely to cause fishy burps, though experiences vary.
Practical takeaway: if taste/aftertaste is your main barrier, krill oil—or a high-quality fish oil taken with food—may help.
4) Added antioxidant: astaxanthin in krill oil
Krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin.
While you shouldn’t choose a supplement based on one ingredient alone, this is a genuine difference between krill oil and standard fish oil.
Practical takeaway: krill oil offers omega 3 plus a naturally occurring antioxidant component.
5) Sustainability and sourcing
Both fish oil and krill oil can be sourced responsibly—but quality varies by brand.
Look for:
- Transparent sourcing
- Clear labelling of EPA/DHA amounts
- Third-party testing or quality standards
Practical takeaway: the “best” omega-3 supplement is one you trust and will actually take consistently.
Which should you choose?
Here’s a simple decision guide.
Choose fish oil if:
- You want a higher EPA/DHA dose per serving
- You’re looking for a cost-effective omega-3 option
- You don’t mind the taste (or you take it with food)
- You want a straightforward, widely used omega 3 supplement
Choose krill oil if:
- You’re sensitive to fish oil digestion or aftertaste
- You prefer the phospholipid form
- You like the idea of omega-3s plus naturally occurring astaxanthin
- You’re happy with a lower-dose approach (or taking more capsules)
Tips for taking omega 3 supplements
To get the best experience from omega 3 supplements:
- Take with a meal (especially one containing fat)
- Start with a lower dose and build up
- Store properly (cool, dry place; follow label guidance)
- Check the label for the actual EPA and DHA amounts (not just “fish oil”)
If you’re on medication (especially blood thinners) or preparing for surgery, check with a healthcare professional before starting high-dose omega-3 supplements.
Where Body by Nature Supplements fits in
At Body by Nature Supplements, the goal is simple: quality-first products with clear labelling so you know exactly what you’re taking.
Whether you choose fish oil or krill oil, prioritise a product that’s transparent about EPA and DHA content, sourced responsibly, and easy to fit into your routine.
Explore the range here: https://www.bodybynaturesupplements.com
Final thoughts
Fish oil and krill oil are both effective ways to add omega 3 (EPA and DHA) to your routine. Fish oil is often the go-to for higher doses and value, while krill oil is popular for people who want a different form and potentially easier digestion.
If you’re unsure, start with the option that best matches your goal—and remember: consistency beats perfection with omega-3 supplementation.