Shopping for cod liver oil can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Dozens of brands promise pristine purity and maximum potency, but how do you separate the genuine quality from clever marketing?
You deserve a supplement that actually works, tastes decent, and comes from a source you can trust. We’ve tested, compared, and evaluated the top cod liver oil brands so you don’t have to waste money on disappointing products.
Here’s what we found after weeks of research. These ten brands consistently deliver on their promises, and each one brings something different to the table depending on what you need.
How We Selected the Best Cod Liver Oil Brands
Our team tested dozens of cod liver oil products to find the ones worth your money. We went beyond label claims and examined actual quality, purity test results, and real customer experiences.
Here’s what we looked at:
- Sourcing and Sustainability: Where the fish comes from and whether the fishing practices protect ocean ecosystems
- Purity Testing: Independent lab verification for mercury, PCBs, and other nasty contaminants
- Nutrient Content: Actual omega-3, vitamin A, and vitamin D levels compared to what’s on the label
- Processing Methods: How the oil is extracted and whether nutrients survive the manufacturing process
- Taste and Smell: Whether you can actually stomach taking it daily without gagging
- Form and Delivery: Liquid, softgel, or capsule options that fit different preferences
- Price Per Serving: Real value based on how much you’re getting for your money
- Brand Transparency: Honest labeling, clear communication, and companies that stand behind their products
After applying these criteria, these ten brands rose to the top. They’ve proven themselves through consistent quality and satisfied customers.
10 Best Cod Liver Oil Brands of 2025 (Expert Review)
We’ve narrowed down your options to these ten standout brands. Each one excels in different ways, so you’ll find something that matches your specific needs and preferences.
1. Carlson Labs
Carlson Labs has been around since 1965, and they’ve spent those decades building a reputation for reliability. Their Norwegian Arctic cod liver oil goes through testing at an FDA-registered lab for every single batch, which isn’t something every brand can claim.
The lemon-flavored liquid actually tastes pretty good. Most people report zero fishy burps or that awful aftertaste that makes you dread taking your supplements. They bottle everything in Norway right after extraction, which keeps the oil fresh.
Families really like this brand because they make formulas for both adults and kids. The dark bottles protect the oil from breaking down in light, and the price sits comfortably in the mid-range without feeling like a splurge.
2. Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals pretty much owns the premium fish oil space, and their cod liver oil lives up to the hype. Independent testing consistently shows their products are exceptionally pure, and your body absorbs the omega-3s efficiently.
They catch their cod in Arctic waters using methods certified by Friend of the Sea. The processing happens within hours, which stops the oil from oxidizing and losing its nutritional punch. You can get it in several flavors or go with the unflavored version if you prefer.
People with touchy stomachs love this brand because it doesn’t cause any digestive issues. The softgels are smaller than most, which helps if you struggle with swallowing large pills.
3. Rosita Real Foods
Rosita makes the closest thing to raw cod liver oil you’ll find anywhere. This Norwegian company uses an old-school extraction method that skips heat, chemicals, and heavy machinery. What you get is living oil with all the natural vitamins and beneficial compounds intact.
Their Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil tastes stronger than refined versions, but people who care about minimal processing love that authenticity. The vitamin A and D ratios match what nature provides, without synthetic adjustments.
Health enthusiasts who prioritize natural, unprocessed foods will appreciate Rosita most. Yes, it costs more than other options, but you’re paying for something truly artisanal that keeps all the natural enzymes and co-factors.
4. Seven Seas
Seven Seas brings quality cod liver oil to people who need to watch their budget. This UK brand has been making fish oils since 1935, and they’ve had plenty of time to get their formulas right. You can find their products easily in stores across Europe and North America.
The large bottles offer solid value, and they run promotions regularly. While they don’t have the fancy positioning of some premium brands, their testing standards hold up well and customers report consistent results for joint pain and immune support.
Older folks particularly trust Seven Seas because the brand has been around forever. The capsules are a reasonable size, taking them is straightforward, and the affordable price makes daily use sustainable for people on fixed budgets.
5. Green Pasture
Green Pasture does something different with their fermented cod liver oil. Some nutrition experts believe fermentation improves how your body absorbs nutrients. This old-school process creates a product rich in vitamin K2 along with vitamins A and D.
Their Blue Ice line has a devoted following, especially among people who follow Weston A. Price principles. The fermented taste takes some getting used to, and plenty of people find it off-putting at first. But longtime users rave about improvements in their dental health and immune system.
This brand fits people who follow ancestral eating patterns and want supplements that resemble traditional foods. The price is steep and the flavor is an acquired taste, but the loyal customer base suggests those challenges are worth it.
6. Garden of Life
Garden of Life brings certified organic cod liver oil to shoppers who want that certification on everything they take. Their Olde World Icelandic formula carries organic certification from QAI and comes from sustainable fisheries around Iceland.
You can actually trace your bottle back to the specific boats that caught the fish. They add vitamin E to prevent the oil from going rancid and help it stay fresh longer.
People who already use Garden of Life products appreciate keeping their supplement routine within one trusted brand. The quality control is tight, the company values align with clean eating, and the softgels avoid common allergens.
7. NutriGold
NutriGold delivers pharmaceutical-grade purity without the pharmaceutical price tag. Their Triple Strength formula packs concentrated omega-3s, so you take fewer pills to get your daily dose. The brand excels at third-party testing and quality certifications.
Every batch gets tested by the International Fish Oil Standards program, and they publish the results online where anyone can see them. The molecularly distilled oil is extremely pure, with contaminant levels so low they’re barely detectable.
Athletes and gym-goers often pick NutriGold for the high EPA and DHA concentrations. The anti-inflammatory properties help with recovery after tough workouts, and the vitamin D supports overall performance. You get great value compared to prescription fish oils.
8. Dropi
Dropi comes from Iceland, where they’ve been making cod liver oil since 1932. This small family operation maintains old-school quality standards and catches their cod in the clean waters off Iceland’s coast.
They keep processing minimal, extracting the oil gently to preserve nutrients that heat would destroy. Everything gets bottled in Iceland within days of extraction, which means exceptional freshness. The natural vitamin content runs high, so they don’t need to add synthetic versions.
People who want authentic Icelandic cod liver oil and don’t mind paying extra love Dropi. The liquid has a clean, mild taste that goes down easier than many competitors, and users report great results for their skin and joints.
9. Kirkland Signature
Costco’s Kirkland line proves good cod liver oil doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Their enteric-coated softgels stop fishy burps before they start, and the manufacturing standards are solid. It might not have boutique appeal, but the quality testing checks out and the price can’t be beat.
The huge bottles offer incredible value for families or anyone planning to take it long-term. The product meets USP standards for purity and potency, which means independent verification confirms what’s on the label. Plenty of users report results similar to pricier brands.
Practical shoppers who care about results over fancy packaging find Kirkland to be an excellent choice. Grabbing it during your regular Costco run is convenient, and the generous return policy means trying it carries zero risk.
10. Vital Nutrients
Vital Nutrients makes clinical-grade supplements that doctors and nutritionists actually recommend to their patients. The cod liver oil is processed in Norway and meets strict European Pharmacopoeia standards, which are tougher than US requirements.
Their capsules skip common allergens and unnecessary fillers. The brand focuses on making sure your body can actually absorb and use what’s inside. They provide detailed certificates of analysis if you want to verify the purity levels yourself.
People working with healthcare practitioners frequently end up using Vital Nutrients because it’s a clinical brand professionals trust. The higher price makes sense for anyone dealing with specific health issues where purity and potency really matter.
Final Thoughts
The right cod liver oil for you depends on what you care about most. Maybe it’s maximum purity, maybe it’s taste, maybe it’s organic certification, or maybe it’s just getting good value for your money. Each brand here excels in different ways.
Consider your budget, how sensitive you are to fishy tastes, and what health goals you’re working toward. The best supplement is the one you’ll actually remember to take every day, so pick a brand that fits easily into your life.