Capsules are a common dosage form in the dietary supplement industry, accounting for 10.2% of all supplement formats. As a brand owner, you have two primary options: gelatin capsules, derived from animal sources, and vegan capsules, made from plant-based ingredients.
According to SPINS data1Casteel B. SPINS presentation. UNPA Member’s Retreat, Deer Valley, UT. September 2024., year-over-year trends by dollar share as of September 2024 show that gelatin capsules have grown by 2%, while vegan capsules have increased by 3.3%.
So, when comparing vegan vs. gelatin capsules, what are the key differences? Let’s begin the conversation with vegan capsules.
What Are Vegan Capsules and What Are They Made of?
According to data from Google Search Console, a small but consistent number of users search for terms like “what are vegan capsules” and “what are vegan capsules made of” each month.
Vegan capsules are two-piece hardshell capsules designed to deliver a variety of nutraceutical ingredients in dietary supplements. Unlike gelatin capsules, which are typically made from beef bone, pork skin or fish trimmings, vegan capsules are made from plant-based polymers such as the cellulose derivative hypromellose (also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or HPMC), from the microbial gum pullulan, or from food starches.
- Hypromellose (a/k/a Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose or HPMC): A cellulose ester2Deshmukh K, Ahamed MB, Deshmukh RR, et al. 3 - Biopolymer Composites With High Dielectric Performance: Interface Engineering. Biopolymer Composites in Electronics. Elsevier; 2017: 27-128. derived from plant fibers.
- Pullulan: A water-soluble, odorless, and tasteless polysaccharide sourced from fungi.3Coltelli MB, Danti S, De Clerck K, Lazzeri A, Morganti P. Pullulan for Advanced Sustainable Body- and Skin-Contact Applications. J Funct Biomater. 2020 Mar 18;11(1):20. doi: 10.3390/jfb11010020. PMID: 32197310; PMCID: PMC7151585.
- Starch: Typically derived from tapioca plant materials.
The manufacturing process for vegan capsules involves extracting plant-based materials, shaping them into capsules, and drying them for use. These capsules provide a plant-based alternative to gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vegan Capsules
Vegan capsules offer several advantages and a few disadvantages, though the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks.
Advantages:
The most obvious advantage of vegan capsules is that they are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as they contain no animal-derived ingredients. They also appeal to various religious and cultural groups, including those requiring Kosher and Halal certifications.
Vegan capsules are considered more sustainable than gelatin capsules since they are made from renewable plant-based materials and require less energy and water to produce.
Another key advantage is their superior stability. With a lower moisture content (2%–6%)4Prakash A, Soni H, Mishra A, Sarma P. Are your capsules vegetarian or non-vegetarian: An ethical and scientific justification. Indian J Pharmacol. 2017 Sep-Oct;49(5):401-404. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_409_17. PMID: 29515283; PMCID: PMC5830853., vegan capsules are more resistant to heat and humidity, making them a reliable choice in various storage conditions.5SD Head USA, LLC. Which is Better: Vegetarian (HPMC) or Gelatin Capsules? Part One: Ethics, Sustainability & Functionality. October 2, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/which-better-vegetarian-hpmc-gelatin-capsules-sd-head-usa-llc/.
Pullulan-based capsules are also available for use in certified organic products.
Disadvantages:
One potential drawback is that vegan capsules dissolve slightly slower than gelatin capsules in acidic environments.6Prakash A, Soni H, Mishra A, Sarma P. Are your capsules vegetarian or nonvegetarian: An ethical and scientific justification. Indian J Pharmacol. 2017 Sep-Oct;49(5):401-404. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_409_17. PMID: 29515283; PMCID: PMC5830853. However, this difference does not affect overall bioavailability.7Minutes of the 76th Meeting of Drugs Technical Advisory Board Held; DGHS, Nirman Bhawan; New Delhi. 2017. Jan 31st, [Last accessed on 2017 Jun 14]. Available from: http://www.cdsco.nic.in/writereaddata/Minutes%20of%2076th%20DTAB%20on%2031_01_2017.pdf. Some vegan capsules are specifically designed for delayed release, protecting their contents from the effects of stomach acid. In some cases, vegan capsules may also be somewhat more expensive than gelatin capsules due to their specialized production process.
Despite these minor drawbacks, vegan capsules remain a versatile and widely accepted option for supplement formulations.
How Vegan Capsules Are Secure Options
Vegan capsules are a secure and reliable choice for dietary supplement formulations. Made from plant-based source materials, they are generally considered safe, non-toxic, and well-tolerated.8SD Head USA, LLC. Which is Better: Vegetarian (HPMC) or Gelatin Capsules? Part Two: Health & Safety. October 2, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/which-better-vegetarian-hpmc-gelatin-capsules-vol-2-sd-head-usa-llc/.
The primary materials used in vegan capsules—such as hypromellose9Burdock G. A. (2007) Safety assessment of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a food ingredient. Food Chem. Toxicol. 45, 2341–2351., tapioca starch10What is Modified Tapioca Starch? Everything to Know. Cassava Value Chain. 6 September 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://cassavavaluechain.com/modified-tapioca-starch-and-how-it-is-made/. and pullulan11GRAS Notices. GRN No. 99 Pullulan. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. August 1, 2002. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=grasnotices&id=99. are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA. This designation ensures that these ingredients meet safety standards for human consumption, making vegan capsules a trusted option for supplement delivery.
What Are Gelatin Capsules and What Are They Made of?
Like vegan capsules, gelatin capsules are two-piece hardshell capsules used to deliver a variety of nutraceutical ingredients in dietary supplements.
So, what are gelatin capsules made of? Gelatin capsules are derived from the hydrolysis of collagen, which can come from animal sources such as bovine (cow), fish, or porcine (swine). Typically, gelatin is obtained from the bones or hides of animals, or the skin and scales of fish. Gelatin capsules are the original capsule dosage form used in both the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries.
The process of making gelatin capsules involves several steps: denaturation, hydrolysis, and molding. During denaturation, collagen is heated, causing its proteins to unravel. The material is then partially purified and hydrolyzed using acids, alkali, or enzymes. This results in a hot gelatin solution, which is then molded into capsule shapes and cooled.12Duconseille A, Astruc T, Quintana N, et al. Gelatin structure and composition linked to hard capsule dissolution: A review. Food Hydrocholloids. 2015; 43: 360-376. During this process, steps are taken to ensure purity and safety in capsule production.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gelatin Capsules
Gelatin capsules, like vegan capsules, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Gelatin is the most widely used material for capsule production in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, making it more accessible and generally less expensive than vegan capsules.
Additionally, gelatin capsules are essentially pure protein, which may appeal to certain consumer preferences. They also have lower oxygen permeability compared to vegan capsules, which can help protect sensitive ingredients from degradation.13Ng CL. Veggie Vs. Gelatin Capsule. Which is better? BHB. October 5, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://www.bhbhealth.com/blogs/reads/veggie-vs-gelatin-capsule-which-is-better.
Disadvantages:
A major disadvantage of gelatin capsules is their limited suitability for certain diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and various religious or cultural dietary restrictions.
How Gelatin Capsules Are a Secure Option
As with vegan capsules, gelatin capsules are also considered a safe option for dietary supplements. Since they are essentially made from a pure protein ingredient, gelatin capsules are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA, and gelatin has been used as a food ingredient for over 2,000 years.14Gelatin processing. National Organic Standards Board Technical Advisory Panel Review, Compiled by Organic Materials Review Institute for the USDA National Organic Program. March 1, 2002. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Gelatin%20Fish%20TR%20Review.pdf.
Additionally, trusted capsule supplement manufacturers, like Vitaquest, produce gelatin-encapsulated products in cGMP-certified facilities, applying strict quality control processes to ensure consistency and safety. These manufacturers also adapt their operations to meet regulatory updates, further ensuring that their gelatin capsule products are made in compliance with all safety requirements.15Quadri A. All you need to know about Gelatin Capsules. Capsuline. Oct 18, 2022. Retrieved February from https://capsuline.com/blogs/capsuline-blog/all-about-gelatin-capsules?srsltid=AfmBOort3LlU2MsNJNevYH-oZ_B0Gej37ZLEw8KeIcAwDwr7rwey3Uvm.
Environmental Impact of Vegan and Gelatin Capsule Manufacturing
Vegan capsules generally have a smaller environmental footprint than gelatin capsules due to reduced resource usage, and with no animal welfare concerns associated with their production.
Additionally, the manufacturing process for vegan capsules typically uses less energy and water compared to gelatin capsule production, making them more environmentally friendly.16SD Head USA, LLC. Which is Better: Vegetarian (HPMC) or Gelatin Capsules? Part One: Ethics, Sustainability & Functionality. October 2, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2025 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/which-better-vegetarian-hpmc-gelatin-capsules-sd-head-usa-llc/.
Both gelatin and vegan capsules are biodegradable, contributing to their sustainability in the long term. However, the overall environmental impact is notably lower for vegan capsules, which rely on renewable plant materials rather than animal-derived sources.
Manufacture High-Quality Capsules with Vitaquest
Vitaquest is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that has provided supplement brands with exceptional supplement research and development, manufacturing, packaging design, powder and particle engineering services, and fulfillment solutions for over 45 years. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or looking to diversify your product range, Vitaquest has the expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and solutions to bring your supplement concept to life quickly and effectively.
We offer a wide range of dosage forms, including gelatin and vegan capsules, chewable, oral disintegrating, and effervescent tablets, and powders. Additionally, you’ll receive an exceptional level of customer support throughout the entire manufacturing process.
Vitaquest also excels in navigating both domestic and international regulatory standards, as well as implementing sustainability practices. By sourcing sustainable ingredients and using eco-friendly manufacturing processes, we help enhance your brand’s appeal. Our FDA cGMP compliance—along with third-party certifications from NSF, USP, and others—ensures that we meet the highest industry regulations and standards. We also offer Kosher, Halal, certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety, guaranteeing manufacturing excellence.
Concluding Thoughts
This blog article explained the differences between vegan and gelatin capsules, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, safety, and environmental impact. Both types of capsules have their unique qualities and considerations, and understanding these factors can help supplement brands make informed decisions about which option best suits their needs.
Are you ready to capitalize on the gelatin and/or vegan capsule trends covered in this article? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan vs. Gelatin Capsules
Q: Are gelatin or vegan capsules better?
There is no simple answer to which capsule type is better. Ultimately, the choice between vegan and gelatin capsules comes down to your brand’s values, the preferences of your consumers, and the specific needs of your supplement products.
Vegan capsules offer several advantages, including being more suitable for vegans and vegetarians, more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and having better stability. On the other hand, gelatin capsules have a longer history of use, are a pure protein source, have lower oxygen permeability, and are typically less expensive.
Q: What are the advantages of gelatin capsules?
Gelatin is the most commonly used material for capsule production and is less expensive than vegan capsules. In addition, gelatin capsules are essentially pure protein and have lower oxygen permeability than vegan capsules.
Q: Are vegan capsules safe?
Vegan capsules are made from plant-based materials and are safe and non-toxic. These materials are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA.
Q: Do vegetarian or gelatin capsules dissolve faster?
In water, both gelatin and vegan capsules dissolve at the same rate. However, in an acidic environment (e.g., stomach acid), vegan capsules dissolved a bit slower. Some vegan capsules are specifically designed to resist the effects of stomach acid, thereby protecting the contents as a form of delayed release. However, this had no impact on the bioavailability of the ingredients in the capsules, which were the same.
