Alt: Plant-based Soft Gels.
Soft gel capsules are essential in health management. Capsule shells can be plant-based or animal-based. Traditionally the gelatin capsules were more popular. However, there is an upsurge in the demand for plant-based soft gels.
Veggie soft gels are made from natural, renewable resources such as tapioca starch, seaweed, alginate, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), and pullulan. These soft gel materials have better nutrient absorption and improved digestibility, making them ideal for delivering minerals, supplements, and other health products.
In this article, we discuss the best plant-based materials for manufacturing soft gel health products.
Vegan Softgel Capsules vs. Traditional Gelatin Capsules: Key Differences
Alt: Veggie Food Supplement Soft Gel.
Vegan and gelatin soft gels differ primarily in their source materials, digestibility, and texture. While traditional gelatin capsules remain popular in various industries, veggie soft gels offer a plant-based, eco-friendly, and ethically sound alternative. There are several key differences between plant-based soft gels and gelatin capsules.
| Vegan softgel capsules | Traditional Gelatin Capsules |
| The primary sources for vegan soft gel capsules are plant-derived materials such as seaweed, starch, and cellulose. | Comes from gelatin derived from animal by-products such as porcine collagen or bovine. |
| Natural gelatin soft gel alternatives are ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with religious or ethical concerns about consuming animal products. They align with specific dietary restrictions such as Kosher or Halal. | While gelatin-based soft gel capsules are standard in supplements, they are not ideal for people with religious or ethical concerns about animal-based ingredients. |
| Plant-based soft gels are free from standard allergens such as dairy and gluten, making them a safer choice for people with food allergies. | Safe gelatin soft gels can cause problems for people with allergic reactions to animal products. |
| Because they are sourced from renewable plant sources, veggie soft gels are eco-friendly. They reduce dependence on animal farming, contributing to sustainability. | The production of gelatin soft gels relies on animal agriculture, which requires a lot of land and water but also emits greenhouse gases. |
| Eco-friendly soft gel capsules have better heat stability and perform well in various conditions. They also dissolve faster in the digestive tract, promoting quicker nutrient absorption. | Gelatin soft gel capsules dissolve slowly, and their stability can be affected by heat and humidity. |
| Vegan soft gels are slightly more flexible and feel smoother than gelatin. The soft gels might have a different shine or color depending on the gelling agent. | Gelatin capsules have a smooth glossy texture. They are slightly firmer than the veggie soft gels. |
How to Select Plant-Based Materials for Soft Gel Encapsulation of Health Products
Alt: Evaluating the Stability of a Veggie Raw Material.
Because health products are sensitive, it is essential to select high-quality raw materials. There are several factors you should consider when choosing raw materials for the production of plant-based soft gels for health products.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help in the selection process:
1. Understand the function of the encapsulation material
Plant-based encapsulation material primarily aims to create soft and flexible shells to protect and preserve active ingredients within the soft gel. The materials should meet the following qualities.
- A stable and durable shell that protects the fill ingredients from moisture, light, and oxygen.
- Compatible with different formulations: These formulations include liquids, oils, and other semi-solid contents.
- Digestible: Allowing the soft gel capsules to release the fill ingredients after ingestion.
2. Choose a suitable plant-based material
There are different types of plant-based raw materials for making veggie soft gels. Each material has unique benefits depending on your product’s requirements.
| Veggie Material | Features |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) | HPMC is primarily sourced from plant cellulose. |
| The material is stable, flexible, and has excellent moisture resistance. | |
| You have to add plasticizers to achieve the ideal flexibility. | |
| Carrageenan | The primary source of carrageenan is red seaweed. Carrageenan works well with oil-based formulations. |
| It has a gel-like texture, transparency, and flexibility similar to animal-based gelatin. | |
| There have been concerns about its use in large quantities, but is regarded as safer in smaller amounts. | |
| Tapioca starch | Its primary source is cassava roots, has a neutral taste and is flexible. |
| Tapioca soft gel shells cause fewer allergic reactions, are biodegradable, and are clean-label friendly (minimal additives, organic, and natural ingredients). | |
| It requires more specific processing techniques. | |
| Alginate | Its primary source is brown seaweed, and works well with oil-based and aqueous formulations. |
| The raw material has moisture retention properties, keeping the soft gel stable over time. | |
| Using alginate in the soft gel encapsulation process might require additional processing steps, such as adding calcium ions to induce gelatin. | |
| Pea starch | It is derived from peas, which are entirely plant-based. It has good gelling properties (it is rich in amylose) and, when processed properly, has an elastic texture similar to gelatin. |
| Pea starch is free from allergens such as gluten, making it ideal for sensitive consumers. It is also non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and a common clean-label ingredient. | |
| Some of its qualities consist of high-quality film formation and thermal stability, and it is compatible with various formulations. |
3. Consider fill ingredient compatibility
The gelatin-free material you choose must work well with the active fill materials in the soft gel capsules to ensure the product delivers the desired health benefits. Oil-based ingredients such as omega-3 or vitamins will work well with materials such as carrageenan or HPMC.
Formulations with acidic ingredients such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) need a plant-based material that does not react with them. The ideal veggie material is HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose). It has excellent chemical stability and maintains structural integrity across various pH levels.
Pullulan is the ideal plant-based material for moisture-sensitive fill ingredients in soft gel encapsulation. It forms a dense film that effectively blocks moisture from penetrating the shell and damaging the fill ingredients. Pullulan is derived from the fermentation of starch.
4. Evaluate Stability
Consider the stability of the veggie raw material to ensure that the soft gel maintains its integrity during transport, storage, and shelf life. Pullulan and HPMC are more resistant to humidity and temperature than traditional gelatin.
Pullulan has higher oxygen barrier properties if the active ingredients, such as probiotics or antioxidants, are oxygen-sensitive. Consider conducting shelf-life testing to ensure the plant-based material maintains flexibility over time.
5. Consumer Preferences
Most consumers are increasingly looking for plant-based, clean-label, and allergen-free products. Ensure that the vegan soft gel material is free from genetically modified organisms. Consider materials such as tapioca starch, carrageenan, and HPMC, which are allergy-free and are popular with a broad audience.
Consumers prefer products made with sustainably sourced materials, such as tapioca starch and carrageenan, with sustainable production processes.
6. Consider Processing and Manufacturing Requirements
Each veggie soft gel raw material requires different processing conditions. You must also ensure the raw material is compatible with your manufacturing equipment. Some plant-based materials might require different temperatures or the addition of plasticizers to achieve the right consistency.
HPMC often requires specialized techniques to maintain flexibility.
7. Check Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
Ensure that the gelatin-free materials you choose to encapsulate the health products comply with your country’s regulatory requirements. Some relevant regulatory bodies include the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the U.S.) and EMA (European Medicines Agency in the European Union).
Choose vegan or vegetarian-certified materials to meet consumer expectations and ensure transparency in labeling. You should also consider certifying the materials as Halal or Kosher to appeal to a broader market.
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Fill Materials
Alt: Plant-Based Soft Gel with an Oil-Based Fill Material.
After choosing an ideal plant-based raw material for the outer shell, the next step is to select a vegan or vegetarian-friendly fill material. There are numerous such materials for manufacturers looking for complete health products. The following plant-based fill materials provide essential nutrients and health benefits without using animal products.
- Algae oil (plant-based omega-3): Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and maintaining heart health. Algae oil is derived from algae, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional omega-3 sources like fish oil. It is the best option for plant-based diets.
- Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide plant-based soft gel benefits, making them ideal fill material. However, probiotics are sensitive to environmental factors. Hence, you must choose a gelatin-free material such as HPMC or pullulan with excellent moisture barrier properties.
- Plant-Based Collagen Boosters: Alginate, HPMC, and pullulan are ideal plant-based materials for encapsulating collagen boosters. The boosters contain ingredients such as silica, vitamin C, amino acids, and plant extracts such as aloe vera.
- Oil-based fill: Oil-based solutions are also ideal fill materials for plant-based soft gel shells. Common oils for vegan soft gels include coconut, flaxseed, olive, and sunflower. These oils provide benefits and are vitamin carriers.
Plant-based Soft Gels Benefits
One of the benefits of gelatin-free soft gels is that they have no animal products, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They typically consist of pullulan, HPMC, alginate, carrageenan, tapioca, and pea starch. Plant-based soft gels cater to consumers looking for animal cruelty-free alternatives.
Veggie soft gels have a lower environmental impact as some are derived from renewable resources such as seaweed and tapioca. They are biodegradable, reducing waste compared to animal-based or synthetic soft gels.
Plant-based soft gels are easier to digest than gelatin-based capsules. They are a suitable option for those with sensitive stomachs. Vegan soft gels are less likely to cause bloating or other digestive issues.
Conclusion
There are various health advantages of plant-based supplements, such as improved digestibility, bioavailability of nutrients, and hypoallergenic properties. Plant-based soft gels are an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers. They can accommodate various health supplements, ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness.
Wuxi Hailis Biotech Co., Ltd is your trusted partner for high-quality soft gel raw materials. Contact us today to discover how we can support your health product formulations!