Plant-Based Softgel Market Trends
Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and more open to plant-derived products. Plant-based diets are also becoming more common. For supplement brands, plant-based softgels offer opportunities to reach new customers and develop different products.
01｜Vegetarian and Flexitarian Diets
Vegetarian and flexitarian diets are gaining popularity, along with interest in plant-derived products. Natural plant ingredients may also help brands charge a premium.
02｜Halal and Kosher Markets
Halal and kosher standards have different requirements for ingredient sources. Plant-based shells offer a gelatin-free option. Brands can use them when developing softgels for different dietary preferences.
03｜Ingredient Sources and Product Positioning
Consumers are paying more attention to ingredients and where they come from. For brands, a non-gelatin shell provides another way to distinguish a softgel product.
Plant-Based Softgel Products & Shell Technology
Handian’s plant-based softgel shells are made primarily from modified tapioca starch instead of animal gelatin. We use these shells to manufacture both swallowable and chewable softgels.
Swallowable Plant-Based Softgels
These softgels can be chewed instead of swallowed whole. Different flavors are available.
Chewable Plant-Based Softgels
Designed for direct chewing, with different flavor options available.
Explore Handian’s Softgel Manufacturing Capabilities
Handian uses automated softgel production equipment for product development, manufacturing, and packaging.
Plant-Based Softgel Formulation Development
We develop oil-based and suspension formulations for plant-based softgels. Ingredients include oils, fat-soluble nutrients, and certain vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts.
Oil-Based Formulations
Fish oil, algal oil, and other oils can be used as softgel fills. Oil blends, ingredient levels, and softgel fill weights can be customized.
Fat-Soluble Nutrients
CoQ10, astaxanthin, and certain fat-soluble vitamins can be formulated in oil for plant-based softgels.
Suspension Formulations
Certain vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts can be formulated as suspensions and filled into plant-based softgels.
Plant-Based Softgel Product Examples
Chewable Plant-Based Softgels
01｜Biotin Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.73 g
– Softgel Shape: Oval
– Main Ingredient: Biotin 10 mg
02｜Lutein & Zeaxanthin Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.73 g
– Softgel Shape: Oval
– Main Ingredients: Lutein 6 mg, Zeaxanthin 1 mg
03｜Liquid Calcium with Vitamins D3 & K2 Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.83 g
– Main Ingredients: Calcium 100 mg, Vitamin D3 50 μg, Vitamin K2 10 μg
04｜Algal Oil DHA & ARA Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.73 g
– Softgel Shape: Small Fish Shape
– Main Ingredients: DHA 72 mg, ARA 72 mg
Swallowable Plant-Based Softgels
05｜Astaxanthin Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.73 g
– Softgel Shape: Oval
– Main Ingredient: Astaxanthin 12 mg
06｜CoQ10 Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 0.73 g
– Softgel Shape: Oval
– Main Ingredient: Coenzyme Q10 50 mg
07｜Fish Oil Softgels
– Softgel Weight: 1.3 g
– Softgel Shape: Cylindrical
– Main Ingredients: Fish Oil 1,000 mg, EPA 500 mg, DHA 250 mg
These are selected examples of our plant-based softgels. Formulations, ingredient amounts, softgel specifications, and packaging can be customized to meet customer requirements.
Develop Your Plant-Based Softgel Product
Share your formula or product requirements with Handian to discuss your OEM/ODM project.
Custom Plant-Based Softgel Development and Sampling
Existing Formulas and New Product Development
Start with an existing Handian formula and adjust the active ingredient levels and product specifications. Alternatively, send us your own formula or tell us which ingredients you want to use.
We also provide formulation adjustments and samples for customers changing an existing gelatin softgel to a plant-based shell.
Softgel Appearance and Specifications
Customization options include shape, size, softgel weight, and shell color. For chewable products, you can also choose the shell texture and flavor.
Packaging Customization and Sampling
Bottles, blister packs, and other packaging options are available. We can customize packaging specifications, labels, and outer packaging designs.
Samples are made to the agreed product requirements. After you approve them, we arrange commercial production.
FAQs
What is your minimum order quantity?
Our MOQ for plant-based softgels is usually 100,000–300,000 softgels, depending on the formula, softgel specifications, and customization requirements.
What are your lead times?
Production usually takes 4–8 weeks. The formula, raw material supply, and our production schedule may affect the timing.
Do you provide samples?
Yes. We provide samples of existing plant-based softgels. We can also make custom samples based on your formula and product requirements.
Are plant-based softgels more expensive than gelatin softgels?
They usually cost more to manufacture. Your formula, softgel size and shape, and order quantity will affect the price.
Which ingredients are suitable for chewable plant-based softgels?
Examples include biotin, lutein, and certain minerals. Strong-tasting ingredients such as fish oil and krill oil are generally not recommended for chewable softgels. We recommend the swallowable type for these ingredients.
Are plant-based softgels vegan?
Not necessarily. Our plant-based shells contain no animal gelatin, but the fill may contain fish oil or other animal-derived ingredients. Softgels containing these ingredients are not vegan.