Vegetable capsules (HPMC capsules) have become the default choice for many premium supplement brands, driven by consumer demand for vegan, clean-label products. But not all capsule manufacturers are equal — and the questions you ask your prospective co-packer before signing a contract can determine whether your launch goes smoothly or becomes a production nightmare.
Vegetable vs. Gelatin Capsules: What’s the Difference?
Gelatin capsules (made from animal-derived collagen) have been the standard for decades. Vegetable capsules (HPMC — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) are plant-derived, making them suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and certain religious dietary requirements. HPMC capsules generally perform well across a range of fill materials, though they can be more sensitive to humidity than gelatin capsules in certain formulations.
Key Questions to Ask a Capsule Manufacturer
What capsule sizes do you fill? Standard sizes range from 000 (largest) to 5 (smallest), with Size 0 and Size 1 being the most common for supplements. Confirm your co-packer has equipment for your required size and fill weight.
What’s your fill weight accuracy? Fill weight consistency directly affects label claim accuracy. Ask for their fill weight standard deviation data from recent production runs. A qualified manufacturer will have this documented.
How do you handle moisture-sensitive ingredients? Some ingredients (probiotics, certain enzymes, moisture-reactive compounds) require low-humidity encapsulation environments. Ask specifically about room humidity controls and whether they can accommodate your formulation’s sensitivity.
What certifications does your encapsulation operation hold? At minimum, look for NSF GMP and FDA registration. White Bottle, Inc. holds NSF GMP, UL GMP, and SQF certifications — among the most rigorous in the industry.
White Bottle, Inc. Capsule Encapsulation Capabilities
White Bottle, Inc. fills vegetable and gelatin capsules at our Stanton, California facility. Our encapsulation lines handle sizes 00, 0, and 1 with fill weight verification throughout each production run. We manufacture capsule supplements for brands in sports nutrition, women’s health, cognitive support, and general wellness categories.
Contact us at info@whitebottle.com to discuss capsule supplement manufacturing for your brand.