Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega and Nature Made Fish Oil sit at opposite ends of the fish oil aisle: a concentrated, triglyceride-form omega-3 from a specialist brand versus an affordable, USP-verified staple you can find in any pharmacy. In our six-criteria assessment, Nordic Naturals scored 9.2/10 and Nature Made scored 8.3/10.
The differences here are bigger than in most of our comparisons — form, concentration, and testing approach all diverge. We walk through them using the same six-criteria methodology we apply to every product. Formulas vary by SKU and change over time; always check the current label before buying.
What’s the difference between Nordic Naturals and Nature Made Fish Oil?
Two structural differences drive almost everything else. First, the form: Nordic Naturals uses the triglyceride (TG/rTG) form, which research suggests is better absorbed; Nature Made uses the ethyl-ester (EE) form, common in mainstream fish oils and cheaper to produce. Second, the concentration: Nordic Naturals delivers 1,280 mg of omega-3 per two-softgel serving, clearly split into 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA. A standard Nature Made softgel contains 1,200 mg of fish oil but about 360 mg of actual omega-3.
Testing philosophies differ too: Nordic Naturals publishes per-lot certificates of analysis and carries Friend of the Sea certification; Nature Made’s strength is USP verification, one of the most recognized product-level certifications in the supplement space.
Ingredient breakdown: Nordic Naturals vs Nature Made
Omega-3 per serving. To match one Nordic Naturals serving (~1,280 mg omega-3), you would need roughly three to four Nature Made softgels. Price-per-bottle comparisons are misleading here — compare price per milligram of EPA/DHA instead.
Form and absorption. The TG form in Nordic Naturals is generally better absorbed than the EE form in Nature Made, though taking EE fish oil with a fat-containing meal narrows the gap. Neither form is unsafe; it is an efficiency difference, not a safety one.
Purity. Both products address contaminant concerns: Nature Made is purified to remove mercury and PCBs and is USP Verified; Nordic Naturals backs its purity claims with per-lot COAs you can look up.
Who should choose Nordic Naturals vs Nature Made?
Choose Nordic Naturals if you want meaningful EPA/DHA doses from fewer softgels, prefer the better-absorbed triglyceride form, and value per-lot testing transparency from an omega-3 specialist.
Choose Nature Made if you want a certified, trustworthy fish oil at a pharmacy price point, are starting with omega-3 basics, or prioritize the USP-Verified mark over concentration.
Who should be careful: omega-3 supplements can interact with blood-thinning medication. If you take anticoagulants or have a bleeding disorder, talk to a healthcare professional before supplementing. This comparison is educational — not medical advice.
Bottom line: choosing between Nordic Naturals and Nature Made
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega is our pick at 9.2/10: more omega-3 per softgel, a better-absorbed form, and stronger testing transparency. Nature Made at 8.3/10 is not a lesser-quality product so much as a different product — a certified, accessible entry point that simply delivers less EPA/DHA per capsule. Read the full Nordic Naturals review and Nature Made review, and see how both rank against Sports Research and Nature’s Bounty in our best omega-3 & fish oil lineup.
A note on third-party testing in Nordic Naturals vs Nature Made
These are two different but credible testing models: USP Verified (Nature Made) certifies the product against identity, potency, and contaminant standards; per-lot COAs (Nordic Naturals) let you check the actual test results of your specific batch. Both are manufacturer-declared programs — verify the marks on the current packaging of the product you buy.
Is Nordic Naturals worth the price over Nature Made?
Compared per milligram of EPA/DHA rather than per bottle, the gap is smaller than it looks: one Nordic Naturals serving carries roughly as much omega-3 as three to four Nature Made softgels, in a better-absorbed form. If you want meaningful doses with fewer capsules, yes; if you want certified basics at pharmacy prices, Nature Made is the rational pick.
What is the difference between triglyceride and ethyl ester fish oil?
Triglyceride (TG) is the form omega-3s take in fish; ethyl ester (EE) is a processed form that is cheaper to concentrate. Research generally shows better absorption for TG, though taking EE fish oil with a fat-containing meal reduces the difference. Both forms are considered safe.
Is Nature Made Fish Oil good quality?
Yes, within its category. It is USP Verified — a strong product-level certification covering identity, potency, and contaminants — and purified to remove mercury and PCBs. Its limits are concentration and form, not quality control.
How many Nature Made softgels equal one Nordic Naturals serving?
A two-softgel Nordic Naturals serving provides about 1,280 mg of omega-3 (650 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA). A standard Nature Made softgel provides about 360 mg of omega-3, so you would need roughly three to four softgels to match it. Exact numbers vary by SKU — check the current labels.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- NCCIH — Omega-3 Supplements: What You Need To Know.