In short: choose HPMC (vegetarian) capsules if your brand is vegan, vegetarian or plant-based, or if your powder is sensitive to moisture. Choose gelatin capsules if cost matters most and your customers have no dietary restriction on animal-derived ingredients. Both work well for herbal and nutraceutical powders, and both are available for private label orders in size 0 and size 00.
What is the difference between HPMC and gelatin capsules?
- HPMC capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a plant-derived cellulose. They are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, which makes them the usual choice for "plant-based" or "vegan" labels.
- Gelatin capsules are made from animal collagen, usually bovine or porcine. They are the traditional capsule: cost-effective, clear and widely used.
HPMC vs gelatin: side-by-side
Diet and religious requirements
HPMC suits vegan, vegetarian, halal and kosher positioning more easily, because it contains no animal material. Gelatin is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, and for halal or kosher products the gelatin source must be certified. If your product needs to be vegan, halal, kosher or allergen-free, tell your manufacturer at the start so the right capsule and documents are chosen.
Moisture
Gelatin capsules hold more water in their shell than HPMC capsules. HPMC is therefore often preferred for powders that absorb moisture easily, such as many herbal extracts, or that react with water. HPMC also stays less brittle in very dry conditions.
Cost
Gelatin capsules usually cost less per thousand than HPMC. For high-volume, price-sensitive products, the difference adds up. For premium or plant-based brands, HPMC is usually worth the extra cost.
Look and feel
Both are available clear or coloured. Gelatin tends to be slightly glossier and clearer. Most consumers do not notice a difference in swallowing.
A practical rule: if "vegan" or "plant-based" appears anywhere on your label or website, use HPMC. Gelatin on a vegan product is the kind of mistake that ends up in customer reviews.
Size 0 or size 00?
Size 00 is larger and holds more powder than size 0. The exact fill weight depends on the density of your powder: a fluffy leaf powder fills less than a dense mineral. As a rough guide, a size 0 capsule holds around 400 to 550 mg, and a size 00 around 600 to 750 mg. Your manufacturer will confirm the real fill weight after a trial with your actual blend. If your dose needs more than two size 00 capsules per serving, consider splitting the dose across more capsules.
Which capsule suits which product?
- Herbal capsules for vegan brands, such as ashwagandha, moringa or curcumin with piperine: HPMC
- Moisture-sensitive extracts: HPMC
- Budget, high-volume products with no diet claims: gelatin
- Halal or kosher products: HPMC, or certified gelatin
Ordering private label capsules
When you ask for a quote, include the formula, the dose per capsule, the capsule type (HPMC or gelatin), the size, the count per bottle and your target market. We make private label capsules in HPMC or gelatin, size 0 or 00. They are packed in HDPE or PET bottles of 30 to 180 capsules, in blister packs, or in bulk, with a shelf life of 24 months from manufacture. Browse our herbal capsules and nutraceutical capsules. Arizone International LLP supplies export customers only, in the USA, the UK, the EU, the Middle East, Australia and 40+ other countries.
Capsule Questions
Yes. HPMC capsules are made from plant-derived cellulose and contain no animal ingredients, so they suit vegan and vegetarian products.
Usually, yes. Gelatin capsules generally cost less per thousand, which matters most on high-volume, price-sensitive products.
Roughly 600 to 750 mg, depending on the density of the powder. Size 0 holds around 400 to 550 mg. The real fill weight is confirmed in a trial.
Tell us your requirement at the start, and we will confirm which capsule options and documents are available for your order.
We fill HPMC and gelatin capsules in size 0 and size 00, packed in bottles of 30 to 180 capsules, in blister packs, or in bulk.