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Fish is one of the best sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, with research showing that regularly eating fish can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses. But while the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 8 oz of seafood per week for most adults, the majority of Americans aren't coming close to the recommendations. A fish oil supplement can be a quick and easy way to meet your omega-3 needs. Our team of registered dietitians evaluated more than 40 different options to find the best fish oil supplements for all lifestyles.
Our top picks:
Since the human body can't manufacture omega-3 on its own, these fatty acids must be obtained from food or supplementation. Eating food is the ultimate way to reap the most nutritional benefits, but supplements can be a great solution for helping to fill in any nutrition gaps. If you aren't a fish lover or just don't consume enough fish in general, a fish oil supplement can be a smart choice.
Fish oil supplements are composed of two omega-3 fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the two main fatty acids found in fish. "Research has shown the health benefits of EPA and DHA for many cellular functions in the body," says Jaime Schehr, ND, RD, CDN, a nationally recognized expert in integrative medicine and nutrition. "Essential fatty acids play a significant role in growth, repair and reproduction, improving lipid levels and cardiac function."
You can read more about how we tested and evaluated the best fish oil supplements — including tips on dosage and quality — at the end of this guide. If you're interested in learning about other top-tested supplements to support your overall health and wellness goals, check out our picks for the best multivitamins for women, the best magnesium supplements and best protein powders.
Our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab review and evaluate every single supplement we recommend in accordance with our dietary supplement methodology. We then have a registered dietitian on our Medical Review Board review each article for scientific accuracy. A supplement should do just that: supplement the diet, not replace high-quality, nutritious food and important healthy lifestyle practices. Check with your healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement regimen.
Note: Price per serving is based on price at time of publication.
Pros
- Not smelly
- No fishy aftertaste
- Third-party tested with COA available for every product
Cons
- Soft gels are fairly large
Nordic Naturals is one of the leading brands in the fish oil supplementation space and offers a variety of forms and dosages of high-quality fish oil. This option provides 650 mg EPA and 450 mg DHA as part of a grand total of 1,280 mg omega-3s per two-softgel serving, which is best taken with food. Free from artificial colors and flavors, this supplement is naturally flavored with lemon to offset any fishy aftertaste.
Our registered dietitians appreciate that everything the brand makes is non-GMO and third-party tested. The brand openly shares Certificates of Analyses for all of its products, and you can easily scan the QR code on the packaging of your product to see the test results yourself. You also have the option to purchase this supplement in larger counts — up to 210 soft gels per container — for additional savings. Over 47,000 reviewers on Amazon have given this product a 4.6-star (out of 5 stars) rating, with many saying that the soft gel is not smelly and doesn't make them burp. Some do note that the soft gels are fairly large though.
The Subscribe & Save option on Amazon will unlock the most savings for this product with Nordic Naturals as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly on the brand's website.
Dosage | 2 softgels |
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Servings per container | 30 |
Omega-3s | 1,280 mg total (650 mg EPA, 450 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.79 |
Pros
- Low cost per serving
- USP Verified
- No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
- Softgel needs to be taken two times daily
You'll find a generous 400 servings of high-quality fish oil in this option from Costco. By far the best value pick on our list, each softgel contains a total of 1,000 mg omega-3 fatty acids, including 250 mg of EPA + DHA. Take one softgel two times daily with a full glass of water and preferably with a meal as per the suggested usage guidelines on the packaging.
In this case, affordability doesn't mean poor quality. In fact, this supplement carries the prestigious USP Verified Mark, which indicates that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label in the declared potency and amounts and does not contain harmful levels of specific contaminants. What's more, it's also been made according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current Good Manufacturing Practices for sanitary and well-controlled procedures. Reviewers love the value and being able to stock up on a lot at once for a reasonable price. Our registered dietitians appreciate that this affordable choice is free from artificial colors and flavors.
Dosage | 1 softgel (twice daily) |
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Servings per container | 400 |
Omega-3s | 1,000 mg total (250 mg EPA + DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.05 |
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Pros
- High-quality fish oil with available COA
- Provides a dose of the antioxidant astaxanthin
Cons
- Serving size is technically four soft gels per day
Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this supplement delivers not only 2,350 mg of fish oil concentrate but also a heart-healthy olive extract that the brand says provides the polyphenol equivalent of over 4 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. In addition to 750 mg EPA and 510 mg DHA, you'll also find omega-3s from Antarctic krill and a source of the antioxidant astaxanthin that can promote eye health. The supplement has an added natural lemon flavor to avoid that dreaded fishy aftertaste.
Our pros like that a Certificate of Analysis is available for every product that the brand produces, and that 99% of the products are manufactured in the United States. Reviewers say that it didn't give them any fishy burps, but even though a serving size is two softgels, the brand recommends taking that twice daily.
Amazon's Subscribe & Save option offers the most savings for this product with Amazon as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly on Life Extensions' website and get a lower cost per unit if you buy multiple bottles.
Dosage | Two softgels (twice daily) |
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Servings per container | 60 |
Omega-3s | 2,350 mg total (750 mg EPA, 510mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.52 |
Pros
- Mini pills are easy to swallow
- Approved by ConsumerLab.com
- Certified purified process reduces contaminants
Cons
- Must be taken with food
Hate taking large pills? This pick from GNC features mini fish oil softgels that are easy to swallow. You'll only have to take two mini softgels to hit the recommended serving, which provides 734 mg EPA and 266 mg DHA plus 65 mg additional omega-3s for a grand total of 1,065 mg. Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, this top pick is available in both 120-softgel and 240-softgel bottles (shown).
Approved by ConsumerLab.com through its Quality Certification Program, the supplement passed tests for heavy metals and freshness. Our registered dietitians also point out that this supplement is certified purified using a multi-step process that reduces contaminants such as heavy metals, dioxins and PCBs. You'll have to take it with food but reviewers appreciate that the supplements were easy to swallow and gave them no fishy burps.
If you subscribe to delivery of the product through GNC's website, you'll get a 10% savings plus free shipping too.
Dosage | 2 softgels |
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Servings per container | 120 |
Omega-3s | 1,065 mg total (734 mg EPA, 266 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.37 |
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Pros
- Easier to swallow compared to large pills
- Third-party tested, COA available for every product
- Small serving size of only one teaspoon
Cons
- Does not include dropper
Fish oil supplements are notorious for being large and difficult to swallow. If softgels or pills are not your thing, consider a convenient liquid form. Our best overall brand also makes this liquid option that goes down easy. And it only takes a little to get the benefits: A mere 1 tsp serving delivers 1,460 mg EPA and 1,010 mg DHA as part of a potent 2,840 mg total omega-3s. This option also has a natural lemon flavor to offset any aftertaste and is free from artificial colors.
Our registered dietitians point out that all Nordic Naturals products are non-GMO and third-party tested. The brand openly shares Certificates of Analyses for all of its products, and you can easily scan the QR code on the packaging of your product to view the test results. The product does not come with a dropper and can be a bit messy to measure, but reviewers say that it is easy to take and works seamlessly when added to smoothies.
Try the Subscribe & Save option on Amazon for savings on this product with Nordic Naturals as the verified seller, but you can also purchase the product directly on the brand's website. Just note that the price per serving on this form is higher than many other options on our list.
Dosage | 1 teaspoon |
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Servings per container | 24 |
Omega-3s | 2,840 mg total (1,460 mg EPA + 1010 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $1.48 |
Pros
- Affordable option
- Formulated for no fishy burps
- Only one softgel serving per day
Cons
- Should be taken with water and a meal
Just one soft gel delivers 1,400 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, including 683 mg EPA and 252 mg DHA. You'll want to take the softgel with water and a meal for optimal absorption. This pick from Nature Made is free from added colors, artificial flavors, gluten, milk and shellfish too. The soft gels are about one inch and are enteric coated specifically to reduce fish burps.
The brand's 1,200 mg and 1,000 mg softgels are USP Verified too. Most reviewers found them fairly easy to swallow and said that they indeed give no fishy burps. This pick in general is also quite affordable, with each softgel coming in at only $0.21.
You can save up to 10% with Subscribe & Save on Amazon which will garner the most savings, but there is also a subscribe and save option on Nature Made's website for 10% and free shipping.
Dosage | One softgel |
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Servings per container | 100 |
Omega-3s | 1,400 mg total (683 mg EPA, 252 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.21 |
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Pros
- Clean Label Project certified
- No fishy aftertaste or smell
- Formulated by dietitians
Cons
- Only available in a small container for a 30-day supply
Formulated by registered dietitians, Hum makes this unique fish oil complex that also packs in 13.4 mg of vitamin E, an important fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. In terms of fish oil, you'll find 1,400 mg omega-3 fatty acids sourced from anchovies, including 800 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA.
All of HUM's products are made in facilities that are certified to follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes), required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This supplement from Hum is also certified by the Clean Label Project, meaning it has been third-party tested for purity. Another important thing to note is that the brand claims that all of its products are gluten-free and tested to ensure gluten isn’t present at levels greater than 20 ppm.
Reviewers appreciate that the supplement has no fishy aftertaste or smell. But one small downside is that the only bottle size is for a 30-day supply, as no larger options are available. If you purchase three bottles on Hum's website, you'll get a 10% discount.
Dosage | 2 softgels |
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Servings per container | 30 |
Omega-3s | 1,400 mg total (800 mg EPA, 400 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $1.10 |
Pros
- Contains antioxidant astaxanthin
- Scannable QR code for tracing
- Passed rigorous internal evaluation with Good Housekeeping
Cons
- Fairly large softgel
There is lots of buzz around krill oil, an alternative to fish oil that comes from small crustaceans with tons of nutrients. Each dose delivers essential omega-3s (1,200 mg to be exact) in their most natural phospholipid form that the body favors for superior absorption. The red color of these pills is thanks to astaxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, so there's no need to worry about unnatural dyes. This fairly large pill only needs to be taken once a day, but the brand does make smaller options if you'd rather take smaller pills multiple times a day.
Kori Pure Antarctic Krill Oil is sourced from Antarctica, and consumers can even use the scannable QR code on each bottle to trace the exact spot where their specific batch was harvested. This product has also passed a rigorous evaluation with Good Housekeeping experts who evaluated testing data and reports from the brand.
You can subscribe and save on Amazon or purchase through the brand's website for similar savings.
Dosage | 1 soft gel |
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Servings per container | 30 |
Omega-3s | 1,200 mg krill oil (250 mg EPA + DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.67 |
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Pros
- Omega-3s sourced from microalgae oil
- Passed tests with ConsumerLab.com
- Registered with the Vegan Society
Cons
- Fairly large softgel
A vegan fish oil supplement may sound like an oxymoron, but there are some potent plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are suitable for those living a vegan lifestyle. This option from Deva supplies 1,000 mg of omega-3s from microalgae oil, with a breakdown of 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA. Registered by the Vegan Society, this product is also free from gelatin. A serving is one vegan soft gel daily with food.
Approved by ConsumerLab.com as part of its voluntary Quality Certification Program, this option passed tests for heavy metal. Reviewers like that it is free from carrageenan and doesn't have a bad taste either. The pills are fairly large, but you'll get a 60-day supply in each container.
Dosage | One softgel |
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Servings per container | 60 |
Omega-3s | 1,000 mg total (300 – 420 mg DHA, 150 – 120 mg EPA) |
Price per serving | $0.48 |
Pros
- Lemon flavor to minimize fishy aftertaste
- Only one softgel daily
Cons
- Not as high potency as others on this list
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development before and after birth, and they may even reduce the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant people are encouraged to eat low-mercury fish since mercury is a metal that has been linked to birth defects. But if you have a hard time eating fish during pregnancy, which is very common between bouts of nausea and food aversions, a prenatal supplement may be beneficial.
Garden of Life, a top-tested brand that we have featured in several other articles, has a line of omega-3 supplements known as Minami. This concentrated option from is designed to support prenatal health, breastfeeding and lactation. It has 640 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, including 480 mg DHA and 104 mg EPA in each softgel, and should be taken with water and food. It's not as high potency as others on this list, but it will certainly help pregnant people reach their daily needs. It has a lemon flavor to bypass any fishy aftertaste (the majority of reviewers agreed), and this supplement in particular has undergone rigorous in-house and third-party testing for purity and heavy metals.
The Subscribe & Save option on Amazon will give you the greatest savings on this product.
Dosage | 1 soft gel |
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Servings per container | 60 |
Omega-3s | 640 mg total (480 mg DHA, 104 mg EPA) |
Price per serving | $0.50 |
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Pros
- Potent source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Easy-to-take liquid form
- Can be mixed into salad dressings or drizzled on food
Cons
- Not ideal for high-heat cooking
Looking for an omega-3 supplement that's both vegan and liquid? Flaxseed oil is the perfect solution. This option from Barlean's is organic, unrefined and cold-pressed. It's pure organic flaxseed oil (that's it) and should be refrigerated. A serving is 1 tablespoon, which supplies a whopping 7,640 mg omega-3 fatty acids, so you could even take a mere teaspoon for a hefty daily dose.
Keep in mind that flaxseed oil has a low-smoke point, so it's best to avoid cooking with it on high-heat; instead, use it for drizzling or making salad dressings. Our registered dietitians say that you can easily add it to smoothies and shakes to get your dose. It's available in this 8-oz size and goes all the way up to 32 ounces. This pick is also USDA Organic and non-GMO Project verified.
Dosage | 1 tbsp |
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Servings per container | 16 |
Omega-3s | 7,640 mg total |
Price per serving | $0.84 |
Pros
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Sugar-free
- Third-party tested, COA available for every product
Cons
- Contains a small amount of stevia
Kids ages three and up who aren't big fish eaters may benefit from this gummy option from Nordic Naturals. Each gummy chew provides 600 mg total omega-3 fatty acids, broken down into 145 mg EPA and 355 mg DHA. The gummies have no sugar and are sweetened instead with a small amount of stevia extract, but a serving is only one gummy so it's important to keep these out of reach of children when not in use, since eating too many may result in toxicity.
Our registered dietitians appreciate that these gummies are free from artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives. Finding a supplement for children can be incredibly difficult and warrants a conversation with your trusted pediatrician. But the good news about this pick is that the Nordic Naturals brand third-party tests all of its products for purity and freshness. Plus, Certificates of Analysis are available for any product.
Opt for Subscribe & Save on Amazon for 10% savings — even more savings compared to the direct website.
Dosage | One gummy |
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Servings per container | 30 |
Omega-3s | 600 mg total omega-3 fatty acids |
Price per serving | $0.62 |
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Pros
- Approved by the National Animal Supplementation Council
- Can be incorporated into existing pet food
Cons
- Some issues with dispensing through the pump
Our furry friends need some omega-3s in their lives too! This fish oil is made with sardines, mackerel, anchovies and herrings. The liquid supplement is designed to support your dog’s joints, heart, skin, coat, brain and overall health. You'll find a total of 1,598 mg omega-3 fatty acids, including 800 mg EPA and 525 mg DHA.
All of the brand's ingredients have been reviewed by the National Animal Supplementation Council and carry the quality seal for labeling, testing, quality control and production. This pick can be taken by cats as well and is easy to add to their existing pet food. Reviewers were pleased with the quality, and many said that they saw improvements over time with their dog's hair, but some users note issues with utilizing the pump.
Dosage | 1 tsp |
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Servings per container | 96 |
Omega-3s | 1,300 mg total (720 mg EPA, 475 mg DHA) |
Price per serving | $0.12 |
How we chose the best fish oil supplements
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, our registered dietitians rigorously evaluate supplements based on nutritional expertise, ingredients and third-party testing data.
When selecting the best fish oil supplements, we considered dosage, serving size, price, servings per container, ingredients, form, taste and whether or not you can take the dose with or without food. We looked at more than 40 different fish oil supplements and aimed to provide options for a variety of personal preferences and price points.
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We prioritized recommendations that have been tested for purity, potency and safety by a credible third-party organization. We reviewed marketing claims, ingredient lists and product quality, and we highlighted companies that test for heavy metals, pesticide and herbicide contamination, among other items of concern. We also featured companies that have strict internal quality control standards.
Since the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness prior to going to market, it's incredibly important to thoroughly research each supplement you add to your regimen and speak with your doctor before purchasing.
What to look for when shopping for fish oil supplements
There are an overwhelming number of fish oil supplements on the market today, making it difficult to figure out which one is best for you and your personal needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for one:
✔️ Form and size: While most of the options on our list are in softgel form, we included liquid options that are easier to swallow if you'd rather not take a pill. Check the serving size and consider the size of the pill itself as well. Are you okay with one large fish oil pill daily, or would you rather take a few smaller ones throughout the day to meet your needs? Determine what works best for you and your lifestyle.
✔️ Taste and smell: This is one of the most common complaints about fish oil supplements. "Some people find that fish oil pills make them burp or cause nausea," says nutrition expert and author Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN. "I like taking ones that are either coated to remove the fishy odor, or have an insert in the package that gives the softgel a pleasant flavor."
✔️ Price: Fish oil supplements can vary greatly in price, and more expensive options aren't necessarily better. Because each bottle contains a different number of pills and serving size can vary, we included information on cost per dosage so you can accurately compare each option.
✔️ Quality: Check the ingredients to ensure there are no artificial additives in the supplement itself. It's also important to also look for third-party testing by credible institutions, such as USP and NSF, to ensure quality standards, and that what is on the product label is, in fact, what you'll be consuming.
✔️ Sustainability: "Environmentally responsible fish oil companies will offer transparency into their fishing practices," Dr. Schehr explains. Look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, which indicates that the fish or seafood has been sourced from fisheries that meet a set of requirements for sustainable fishing. If you'd rather avoid fish-based omega-3 supplements altogether, vegan options exist that are made from plant-based sources.
✔️ Dosage: You'll want to discuss proper dosage with your healthcare provider, but we have some tips below if you need a starting point to consider.
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How much fish oil should you take daily?
When it comes to the appropriate fish oil dose, you'll want to consult with your healthcare provider. But there are some general guidelines you can follow. "The American Heart Association recommends up to 3 g of fish oil daily. Most supplements provide 2,000 mg/serving," Largeman-Roth says.
Certain conditions and stages of life may warrant particular amounts of the individual fatty acids too. "Most fish oil is recommended as a combination of DHA and EPA; however, there are instances where someone would dose one higher than the other," Dr. Schehr explains. She adds that since omega-3 fatty acids combat free-radical activity, they may play a role in improving cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, metabolism, mood, cognition and more.
Is there a downside to fish oil supplements?
Side effects from supplementing with fish oil are often mild and can include a disagreeable taste, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and diarrhea, according to the National Institutes of Health. While most individuals will likely tolerate the supplement, certain populations should avoid taking fish oil.
"If you are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, you should not take fish oil due to the increased risk of bleeding," Largeman-Roth explains. "Also, one study showed that people with high triglycerides who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease (or already had it) had an increased risk of atrial fibrillation when taking fish oil supplements."
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Are fish oil supplements worth it?
If you're not regularly eating fish, it may be a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider about taking a fish oil supplement. Largeman-Roth explains that the two essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil — EPA and DHA — can support a healthy heart and brain as well as healthy joints, skin and vision. "If you have elevated triglycerides, high blood pressure or just don’t like fish or don’t eat it twice a week, you should consider taking a fish oil supplement," she says.
Dr. Schehr, agrees, adding that omega-3 fatty acids impact free-radical activity, which is believed to play a role in improving cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, metabolism, mood and cognition, and even in cancer prevention. While fish oil supplementation isn't for everyone, certain populations may benefit from taking it. "Fish oil is one supplement that is beneficial in every stage of life, from prenatal development to geriatrics," Dr. Schehr says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Registered Dietitian Stefani Sassos handles all nutrition-related content, product testing and evaluation. She stays up-to-date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition. Stefani runs and oversees supplement testing and analysis for Good Housekeeping and has covered several other supplements in the past including multivitamins, vegan protein powders and vitamin D.
Jaime Schehr, N.D., R.D,. C.D.N., is a licensed Naturopathic physician and a Registered Dietitian practicing since 2006. Dr. Schehr is the owner of Schehr Nutrition as well as co-founder of xFitLab, a medical fitness consulting company. Dr. Schehr is the assistant director of academic integrative family medicine at the Institute for Family Health of Mt. Sinai. She is a prominent speaker in Integrative Medicine and Nutrition and is often sought to lecture in both the corporate and academic space.
Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, is a New York Times–best-selling author and nationally recognized health expert. Frances was the Food and Nutrition Director at Health magazine for nearly eight years. Prior to that, she was part of the editorial team at the Discovery Health Channel and also held the post of managing editor at FoodFit.com. Her recent book, Everyday Snack Tray, is currently available.
Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
Nutrition Lab Director
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.