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If you have ever taken cheap fish oil capsules and spent the rest of the day dealing with fishy burps, you already know why krill oil exists. Krill oil delivers the same omega-3 benefits as fish oil but with better absorption, added antioxidants, and no disgusting aftertaste.
I switched from fish oil to krill oil over a year ago and will not go back. Here is what you need to know about choosing the best krill oil in the UK.
My Top Pick (Quick Answer)
WeightWorld Antarctic Krill Oil 1200mg — 180 softgels for a 3-month supply. Amazon Choice with 3,500+ reviews. This is the one I take every morning and the one I recommend.
Why Krill Oil Over Fish Oil?
Both krill oil and fish oil provide EPA and DHA — the two omega-3 fatty acids your body needs. The difference is in how they are delivered:
| Factor | Krill Oil | Fish Oil | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 form | Phospholipids | Triglycerides | Krill (better absorbed) |
| Absorption | Higher bioavailability | Standard | Krill |
| Antioxidants | Contains astaxanthin | None | Krill |
| Fishy aftertaste | None or minimal | Common | Krill |
| Capsule size | Smaller | Often large | Krill |
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper | Fish oil |
| Sustainability | MSC certified available | Varies | Depends on brand |
| EPA/DHA per capsule | Lower mg | Higher mg | Fish oil (on paper) |
The key advantage of krill oil is the phospholipid form. Your cell membranes are made of phospholipids, so omega-3s in this form are absorbed more efficiently. Studies suggest krill oil omega-3s are 60-70% more bioavailable than fish oil omega-3s. This means you need fewer milligrams to get the same benefit.
Why Omega-3s Matter for Gym-Goers
- Joint health: Omega-3s reduce inflammation in joints — critical when you are lifting heavy regularly
- Recovery: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce muscle soreness between sessions
- Heart health: Supports cardiovascular function, especially important during intense training
- Brain function: DHA is essential for cognitive performance and focus
- Mood: Research links omega-3 intake to reduced anxiety and improved mood
- Body composition: Some evidence suggests omega-3s may support fat metabolism
Most UK diets are severely lacking in omega-3s unless you eat oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) at least 2-3 times per week. If you do not, supplementation is one of the smartest things you can do.
Best Krill Oil Supplements UK
1. WeightWorld Antarctic Krill Oil 1200mg — Best Overall
My Experience: This is the krill oil I take daily. Two softgels with breakfast, no fishy taste, no burps, no issues. The 1200mg dose per serving gives you a solid amount of EPA and DHA in the highly bioavailable phospholipid form. It also contains natural astaxanthin which is a powerful antioxidant that gives krill oil its distinctive red colour.
Key Details:
- Dose: 1200mg krill oil per 2 softgels
- EPA: 180mg per serving
- DHA: 120mg per serving
- Astaxanthin: Naturally occurring
- Softgels: 180 (3 months supply)
- Price: Around £22.49
- Rating: 4.6 stars from 3,560+ reviews
- Amazon Choice, 1K+ bought in past month
- Made in EU, gluten free, lactose free
Why it is number one: Best balance of quality, dose, and price in the UK. A 3-month supply for around £22 works out at roughly £7.50 per month. The 1200mg dose is generous compared to many competitors.
2. Aker BioMarine Superba Krill Oil — Best Premium
Overview: Aker BioMarine is the world leading krill harvesting company from Norway. Their Superba branded krill oil is considered the gold standard in the industry. If you want the absolute best quality regardless of price, this is it.
Key Details:
- Premium Norwegian krill oil
- MSC certified sustainable
- Full traceability from ocean to capsule
- Price: Around £25-35 per bottle
- Highest purity standards
Best for: People who want the absolute premium option and are willing to pay for guaranteed quality and sustainability.
3. Nutravita Antarctic Krill Oil — Best Budget
Overview: Nutravita is a UK brand that offers a solid krill oil at a competitive price. Good option if you want to try krill oil without a big commitment.
Key Details:
- Dose: 1000mg per serving
- Softgels: 120
- Price: Around £17-20
- UK brand
- Good reviews
4. Solgar Full Spectrum Omega Krill Oil — Best from Solgar
Overview: Solgar is a trusted premium supplement brand. Their krill oil product combines krill with additional omega-3 sources for a full spectrum approach.
Key Details:
- Premium brand with long reputation
- Full spectrum omega formula
- Smaller capsules
- Price: Around £20-28
Comparison Table
| Product | Dose | Supply | Price | Per Month | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WeightWorld 1200mg | 1200mg | 3 months | £22.49 | £7.50 | 4.6⭐ |
| Aker Superba | Varies | 1-2 months | £25-35 | £15-25 | 4.5⭐ |
| Nutravita | 1000mg | 2 months | £17-20 | £9-10 | 4.4⭐ |
| Solgar | Varies | 1-2 months | £20-28 | £12-20 | 4.3⭐ |
What About Astaxanthin?
One of krill oil unique advantages over fish oil is its natural astaxanthin content. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature — roughly 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C.
It is what gives krill (and salmon, flamingos, and lobsters) their red-pink colour. Benefits include:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory effects
- Protects cells from oxidative damage
- Supports skin health and UV protection
- May benefit eye health
- Keeps the oil fresh (natural preservative)
You get astaxanthin naturally in krill oil at no extra cost. With fish oil you would need to buy it separately.
How to Take Krill Oil
Dose: 1000-2000mg of krill oil per day. Most products recommend 2 softgels daily.
Timing: With breakfast or any meal containing fat. Omega-3s are fat-soluble and absorb better with food. I take mine every morning with breakfast alongside my Vitamin D and B-Complex.
Consistency: Omega-3 benefits build up over time. Take it daily for at least 4-6 weeks before judging the effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is krill oil worth the extra cost over fish oil?
In my opinion, yes. The better absorption means you need less, there is no fishy aftertaste, the capsules are smaller, and you get astaxanthin as a bonus. The price difference is not huge — roughly £5-10 more per month compared to decent fish oil.
Can I take krill oil if I am allergic to shellfish?
Krill are crustaceans, so if you have a shellfish allergy you should avoid krill oil. Opt for algae-based omega-3 instead, which is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Does krill oil thin the blood?
Omega-3s can have a mild blood-thinning effect at very high doses. If you are taking blood-thinning medication (like warfarin), consult your GP before starting krill oil.
How long until I notice benefits?
Joint and inflammation benefits typically become noticeable after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Some people report mood improvements within 2-3 weeks. Be patient and take it daily.
Is krill fishing sustainable?
Antarctic krill biomass is estimated at around 500 million tonnes, making it one of the largest animal biomasses on Earth. Current harvesting takes less than 1% of this. Many brands (including WeightWorld) source from MSC-certified fisheries. That said, choosing certified sustainable brands is always a good practice.
My Final Recommendation
Krill oil is one of those supplements where the upgrade from fish oil is genuinely worth it. Better absorption, no fishy burps, smaller capsules, and free antioxidants make it a clear winner for me.
My pick: WeightWorld Antarctic Krill Oil 1200mg — 3 months for £22 is outstanding value for a quality krill oil. It is part of my daily supplement stack and one of the supplements I will never drop.
Read more:
- My Complete Daily Supplement Stack
- Best Magnesium Supplements UK
- Best Vitamin D Supplements UK
- Best Vitamin B Complex UK
- Best Whey Protein UK 2026
Last updated: March 2026. Prices may vary. All recommendations are based on personal experience and research.