Cod Liver Oil Market Size, Trends

Cod Liver Oil Market Overview

The Cod Liver Oil Market size was valued at USD 65.56 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 84.63 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3% from 2025 to 2033.

The cod liver oil market has emerged as a significant segment within the global health supplements and functional foods industry, with increasing consumer preference for natural and preventive healthcare products. In 2023, over 410 million people worldwide consumed omega-3 supplements regularly, and cod liver oil accounted for more than 21% of total omega-3 supplement consumption. Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamins A and D, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), each offering cardiovascular, cognitive, and immune health benefits.

The global cod liver oil production exceeded 15,000 metric tons in 2023, with Norway accounting for more than 40% of supply. Rising demand from the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with increased health consciousness post-pandemic, has driven the number of cod liver oil-based product launches to over 1,200 globally in the last two years. Additionally, awareness of omega-3 deficiencies—which affects over 80% of the global population—has propelled the cod liver oil industry forward. Increasing applications in functional foods, skincare, and animal nutrition have further diversified demand. Cod liver oil's global penetration in capsule form surpassed 65% in 2023, while liquid and powder formats have seen double-digit consumption growth, especially in pediatric and geriatric care segments.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising awareness about omega-3 health benefits in cardiovascular and immune health.

COUNTRY/REGION: Europe leads the market with high cod liver oil production and consumption rates.

SEGMENT: Capsules dominate due to convenience, longer shelf life, and high bioavailability.

Cod Liver Oil Market Trends

The cod liver oil market has been shaped by evolving consumer preferences, expanded use cases, and technological advancements in extraction and formulation. One of the most prominent trends in 2023 was the rapid increase in clean-label and sustainably sourced cod liver oil products. Over 300 new cod liver oil SKUs were launched with eco-friendly certifications, including Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) compliance. Clean-label products now constitute over 45% of the cod liver oil product shelf in Europe and North America.

Another rising trend is the inclusion of cod liver oil in fortified food and beverage products. In 2023, more than 80 new functional foods, including breakfast cereals, protein shakes, and dairy alternatives, were infused with cod liver oil for enhanced omega-3 content. Additionally, microencapsulation technologies are being increasingly used to mask the strong flavor of cod liver oil in food-grade applications. More than 60% of manufacturers now use encapsulation techniques to improve taste and stability.

Pediatric formulations saw a 20% year-on-year increase in 2023 due to growing concerns over Vitamin D deficiency among children. Nearly 25 million cod liver oil pediatric doses were sold globally in 2023. Geriatric-specific cod liver oil formulations also witnessed a rise, particularly in Japan and Germany, where aging populations are driving targeted supplementation.

Skin health and dermatological applications are also gaining momentum. In 2023, more than 60 cosmetic and skincare products were launched with cod liver oil as a key active ingredient, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. The market also saw increased demand for vegan and plant-based omega-3 alternatives, indirectly encouraging product diversification and innovation within the cod liver oil sector.

Cod Liver Oil Market Dynamics

Cod liver oil market dynamics refer to the collection of critical factors that influence the behavior, performance, and development of the global cod liver oil industry. These dynamics are classified into four key categories: drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, each shaping the market landscape in distinct ways.

DRIVER

Rising demand for nutritional supplements targeting heart and bone health

The cod liver oil market is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness of omega-3 fatty acids and their health benefits. In 2023, cardiovascular disease remained the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths. Cod liver oil, rich in EPA and DHA, has been clinically linked to lowering triglycerides and reducing arterial inflammation. Similarly, with over 1 billion people worldwide suffering from Vitamin D deficiency, cod liver oil supplements have become essential for bone health, especially among elderly populations. Global demand for vitamin D supplements rose by over 23% between 2021 and 2023, with cod liver oil accounting for 28% of that market.

RESTRAINT

Strong odor and flavor profile limiting widespread adoption

One of the significant restraints in the cod liver oil market is its distinct fishy odor and aftertaste, which affects consumer acceptance, especially in oral liquid forms. In 2023, consumer feedback surveys revealed that 41% of users preferred alternative omega-3 sources due to palatability issues. Despite advances in encapsulation, flavor masking, and emulsification, certain demographics—particularly children and seniors—still report lower compliance when using liquid or powder-based formulations. Manufacturers must invest in better organoleptic modification technologies to broaden appeal.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in fortified food and beverage sector

Fortified food and beverage markets present significant opportunities for cod liver oil integration. In 2023, the functional food market exceeded 2.1 billion units sold, with omega-3-fortified variants growing by 18% annually. Cod liver oil's ability to deliver bioactive nutrients in small doses makes it ideal for applications such as energy bars, dairy drinks, and cereals. North American companies launched over 40 new fortified products using cod liver oil in 2023 alone. There is also rising demand for non-pharmaceutical delivery systems for preventive healthcare in markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, and South Korea.

CHALLENGE

Sustainability concerns and overfishing regulations

Environmental concerns related to overfishing and marine ecosystem impact remain a major challenge for the cod liver oil industry. Cod stocks in the North Atlantic have seen a 15% population decline over the past decade, prompting stricter fishing quotas. In 2023, the Norwegian government reduced cod fishing limits by 20%, affecting raw material supply for liver oil extraction. Additionally, only 52% of cod liver oil suppliers currently hold eco-certifications, creating traceability issues for retailers and conscious consumers. Sustainability compliance now directly impacts product shelf placement and export potential in regulated markets.

Cod Liver Oil Market Segmentation

The cod liver oil market is segmented by product type and application, targeting specific health and industrial domains.

By Type

Capsules: Capsules dominate the cod liver oil market, accounting for over 65% of retail volume in 2023. More than 800 million cod liver oil capsules were sold globally, primarily through pharmacies and online health retailers. Softgel capsules offer odor control, precise dosing, and superior bioavailability, especially among elderly and working-class consumers.
Oral Liquid: Oral liquid forms accounted for 25% of market share in 2023, with significant uptake in pediatric and geriatric use. Over 300 million bottles were distributed globally, with Nordic countries and India leading consumption. Flavored variants such as lemon, orange, and mint accounted for 55% of total oral liquid sales to improve palatability.
Powder: Powder formulations, including water-soluble omega-3 blends, saw a 14% increase in global sales in 2023. The segment is popular in sports nutrition and infant nutrition, with over 25 companies introducing cod liver oil-based powdered sachets or blends. Applications in protein supplements and fortified infant formula are rising.
Others: Other forms include gummies, chewables, and spray formats. Gummies witnessed a 19% increase in popularity, particularly among millennials and children. Over 50 cod liver oil gummy products were launched globally in 2023, mainly in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

By Application

Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical applications led usage, accounting for over 50% of total cod liver oil demand in 2023. Used in supplements for cardiovascular health, arthritis, and Vitamin D deficiency, cod liver oil was featured in over 3,000 branded pharmaceutical SKUs globally.
Cosmetics: Cod liver oil saw increased usage in anti-aging creams, skin repair serums, and moisturizers. In 2023, more than 60 cod liver oil cosmetic SKUs were introduced globally, particularly in Korea and France, known for advanced cosmeceuticals.
Animal Feed: Cod liver oil is used in pet and livestock feed to improve coat health and nutrient absorption. Over 1.2 million tons of animal feed were fortified with omega-3s in 2023, with cod liver oil representing 17% of that volume. The U.S., Australia, and Germany are major markets.
Food and Beverages: More than 80 new food and beverage products featured cod liver oil in 2023. These included dairy drinks, infant cereals, and high-protein snacks, often targeting cognitive health and immunity.
Others: Other applications include dietary therapy, clinical nutrition, and medical foods. Over 150 hospitals in Europe and Japan introduced cod liver oil-based nutritional support products for post-surgical recovery and chronic disease patients.

Regional Outlook for the Cod Liver Oil Market

The cod liver oil market displays unique characteristics across global regions, driven by regulatory frameworks, consumer behavior, and production capacities.

North America

North America represents a mature cod liver oil market with increasing demand for clean-label and fortified supplements. In 2023, the U.S. alone recorded the sale of over 200 million cod liver oil capsules. Canada, with its aging population, saw a 12% increase in liquid cod liver oil consumption. The region also recorded over 20 new fortified food products with cod liver oil. Sustainability and traceability are top purchasing factors for 65% of North American consumers.

Europe

Europe leads global production and consumption. Norway exported more than 7,500 metric tons of cod liver oil in 2023. The U.K. and Germany collectively accounted for over 350 million capsules sold. Regulatory support for health claims related to omega-3 and Vitamin D under EFSA guidelines has accelerated market growth. Nordic countries, with their longstanding cod oil traditions, continue to see household penetration rates of over 60%.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the cod liver oil market. China imported more than 2,000 metric tons of cod liver oil in 2023, used in both supplements and infant nutrition. India’s cod liver oil demand increased by 18%, with over 70 new product launches targeting pediatric and elderly segments. Japan remains a top consumer of marine-based supplements, with cod liver oil included in over 120 wellness brands.

Middle East & Africa

MEA countries are increasingly adopting cod liver oil for nutritional deficiency treatment and cosmetic uses. The UAE saw over 6 million cod liver oil units sold in 2023. South Africa recorded a 10% increase in fortified animal feed demand. However, price sensitivity and limited cold-chain infrastructure remain key barriers in many African nations. Cod liver oil is gaining ground in medical nutrition initiatives led by NGOs and health ministries.

List of Top Cod Liver Oil Companies

Seven Seas
LYSI
Norwegian Fish Oil
Power Health
Country Life
Nordic Naturals
Garden of Life
Mason Natural
Twinlab
Vital Nutrients

Seven Seas: Market leader with over 400 million capsules sold globally in 2023, strong retail penetration across Europe and Asia.

LYSI: Exported over 3,000 metric tons of cod liver oil in 2023, supplying to over 50 countries with pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade variants.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The cod liver oil market has seen increasing investment across manufacturing, R&D, and marketing. In 2023, more than $700 million was invested globally into cod liver oil extraction, encapsulation technologies, and branded product lines. European firms invested over $250 million into MSC-certified sustainable fishing practices to meet EU traceability regulations.

In the Asia-Pacific region, over 30 companies invested in domestic formulation units to reduce dependency on imports. India and China collectively saw over 60 new processing plants for omega-3 formulations by end of 2023. Startups in the U.S. focused on launching clean-label, flavored, and child-friendly cod liver oil products, securing $90 million in venture funding.

There is high investment potential in value-added segments such as cod liver oil gummies, functional beverages, and sports nutrition blends. Innovation in encapsulation—especially micro- and nano-encapsulation—has attracted research grants from government agencies and universities.

Pharmaceutical companies are also investing in clinical trials to validate cod liver oil efficacy in treating chronic inflammation, joint pain, and depression. These trials are expected to drive prescription-grade cod liver oil growth. With the growing demand for plant-based omega-3s, traditional cod liver oil manufacturers are also exploring dual-portfolio development, creating cross-segment investment synergies.

New Product Development

Innovation in product format, flavoring, and delivery mechanism has defined the cod liver oil product landscape in 2023 and 2024. LYSI introduced a flavored chewable capsule range in lemon and raspberry, gaining popularity in over 15 countries. Seven Seas launched its Life Stages Cod Liver Oil series, targeting age-specific needs across infants, adults, and seniors.

Nordic Naturals developed a proprietary Triglyceride-Form Omega-3 cod liver oil for enhanced absorption, which gained traction in over 5,000 health stores globally. Country Life launched a Vegan Cod Liver Oil Alternative derived from algae, mimicking EPA/DHA levels found in cod sources.

Mason Natural introduced a Cod Liver Oil Gummy for Kids, which sold over 2 million bottles in its first year. Twinlab developed a high-strength Ultra-Pure Cod Liver Oil softgel using cold-extraction technology with zero preservatives, appealing to clinical users and dietitians. Garden of Life expanded its omega-3 segment with cod liver oil-infused protein powders and meal replacements.

Over 80% of newly launched products in 2023 were flavored, sugar-free, and free from artificial preservatives. Pediatric-focused cod liver oil innovation grew by 28%, with over 60 new SKUs entering the market globally.

Five Recent Developments

Seven Seas expanded production in the U.K. by 30%, adding a new softgel facility capable of producing 200 million capsules annually.
LYSI secured a sustainability certification from Friend of the Sea for its Iceland-based cod liver oil extraction plants.
Nordic Naturals introduced a new liquid cod liver oil concentrate with 1,000 mg DHA per serving in the U.S. and Germany.
Garden of Life launched cod liver oil-infused protein shakes, sold across 3,000 outlets in North America and the Middle East.
Power Health signed a distribution agreement with a Japanese pharmacy chain, targeting annual sales of over 15 million cod liver oil units.

Report Coverage of Cod Liver Oil Market

This report provides in-depth analysis of the cod liver oil market, covering product types, applications, regional dynamics, and competitive landscapes. The report evaluates over 300 cod liver oil-based product SKUs across formats such as capsules, liquids, powders, and gummies. It includes data from over 50 countries, assessing import/export trends, consumption rates, production capacity, and regulatory influence.

The segmentation covers four major product types and five application domains, tracking performance across 120+ brands and manufacturers. Key data points include over 100 consumption statistics, 60 product innovation case studies, and 50 market entry developments from 2023–2024. Regional analysis includes macroeconomic factors, healthcare trends, and consumer preferences that influence market growth.

The report profiles 10 leading manufacturers, with detailed insights on production volume, market presence, and product portfolios. Sustainability, packaging innovations, and digitized marketing trends are analyzed in detail. Market dynamics—drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges—are quantified with factual evidence and trend projections through 2030.