Vegan and Vegetarian Supplements in Europe: Capsules, Tablets and Manufacturing Considerations

Vegan and vegetarian supplements are becoming increasingly important in European private label manufacturing. Demand for plant-based products continues to grow.

In practice, developing vegan and vegetarian supplements is not only a positioning decision. It involves technical considerations related to ingredient sourcing, excipient selection, capsule materials, and manufacturing control within the EU regulatory framework.

This article explains how vegan and vegetarian supplements are developed in European manufacturing, with a focus on capsules and tablets, and what brands should consider before selecting this positioning.

Quick summary for brands

Vegan and vegetarian supplement manufacturing in Europe works best when:

• ingredient origin is clearly defined and documented
• capsule shell type is selected early (gelatin vs HPMC)
• excipients and coatings are compatible with plant-based positioning
• manufacturing processes account for cross-contamination risks
• labeling and claims align with EU expectations

Plant-based positioning is achievable—but only when formulation and manufacturing constraints are addressed from the beginning.

Why brands choose vegan and vegetarian supplements

Demand for vegan and vegetarian supplements continues to increase across European markets.

Brands choose this positioning for several reasons:

• alignment with plant-based lifestyles
• broader consumer acceptance
• perceived product transparency and quality
• differentiation in competitive supplement categories

In many cases, vegan positioning is no longer a niche—it is becoming a standard expectation in categories such as daily wellness, magnesium, and multivitamin products.

Vegan vs vegetarian — what is the difference in practice

Although often grouped together, vegan and vegetarian supplements are not identical.

• Vegetarian supplements may include animal-derived ingredients such as dairy or gelatin
• Vegan supplements exclude all animal-derived components

From a manufacturing perspective, the key differences relate to:

• capsule shell materials
• excipients and processing aids
• raw material sourcing and documentation

Defining the target positioning early is essential to avoid reformulation later in the project.

Vegan capsules and tablets in EU manufacturing

Capsules and tablets are the most widely used formats for vegan and vegetarian supplements in Europe.

Both formats are generally suitable for plant-based positioning, but they require careful selection of raw materials and manufacturing processes.

Capsules (HPMC vs gelatin)

For capsules, the most important factor is the capsule shell material.

• Gelatin capsules are animal-derived and not suitable for vegan products
• HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules are plant-based and widely used in vegan supplement manufacturing

HPMC capsules are compatible with most formulations and are commonly used in EU private label projects. However, they may differ slightly in:

Ready-made capsule formulas are already developed and can be made under your brand in an HPMC shell: ready-made capsule formulas in a plant-based HPMC shell.

• moisture behavior
• mechanical properties
• cost structure

For more detail, see our guide on Private Label Capsule Manufacturing in Europe.

Tablets and vegan formulation considerations

Tablets can be produced as vegan products, but only if all formulation components meet plant-based requirements.

Key factors include:

• plant-based binders and fillers
• coatings without animal-derived ingredients
• compatible processing aids

In practice, tablets are often one of the most straightforward formats to adapt for vegan positioning.

Ready-made tablet formulas are already developed, with an HPMC film coat rather than an animal-derived one: ready-made tablet formulas with an HPMC film coat.

For manufacturing considerations, see Private Label Tablet Manufacturing in Europe.

Ingredient sourcing and formulation constraints

Achieving vegan or vegetarian positioning depends on the entire formulation—not only the dosage form.

Important considerations include:

• origin of active ingredients
• use of carriers and stabilizers
• presence of hidden animal-derived components
• supplier documentation and traceability

Certain ingredients may have multiple sourcing options, making supplier verification essential.

Cross-contamination and manufacturing control

Even when all ingredients are plant-based, manufacturing conditions must be considered.

Potential risks include:

• shared production lines with non-vegan products
• cross-contact with gelatin-based materials
• insufficient cleaning validation

In EU manufacturing, full segregation is not always required, but risk assessment and process control must be documented.

Clear communication with the manufacturer ensures that vegan positioning is technically supported.

Regulatory and labeling considerations in the EU

In the European Union, vegan and vegetarian claims are not defined by a single harmonized regulation.

However, food supplements must comply with general food law and labeling requirements.

In the EU, food supplements are regulated under Directive 2002/46/EC and must comply with general food law, including Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

From a practical perspective, this means:

• claims must not be misleading
• ingredient origin must be verifiable
• labeling must reflect actual product composition

Some brands choose third-party vegan certifications, but these are voluntary and market-driven.

Packaging considerations for vegan supplements

Packaging does not define vegan status, but it influences positioning and product stability.

Important considerations include:

• compatibility with product shelf life
• alignment with sustainability expectations
• suitability for capsules or tablets

For example, bottles and blister packaging are commonly used for vegan capsules and tablets in EU manufacturing.

For more detail on stability, see our guide on supplement shelf life in Europe.

What brands should prepare before contacting a manufacturer

To develop vegan or vegetarian supplements efficiently, brands should define:

Product concept

• vegan or vegetarian positioning
• target EU market
• consumer group

Formulation

• ingredient list and origin
• capsule or tablet format
• restrictions (e.g. no gelatin, no lactose)

Quality & compliance

• intended claims
• certification requirements
• target shelf life

Packaging

• bottle or blister format
• labeling requirements
• sustainability expectations

Timeline

• launch window
• new product or reformulation

Providing this information early allows manufacturers to assess feasibility without delays.

How vegan supplements fit into private label manufacturing

In private label manufacturing, vegan supplements are typically:

• based on plant-derived or synthetic ingredients
• produced using HPMC capsules or tablet formats
• evaluated based on formulation feasibility and process control

At PharmaEurope, vegan feasibility is assessed during early project evaluation to ensure alignment between formulation, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements.

Final takeaway

Vegan and vegetarian supplements in Europe require more than a label claim—they depend on formulation design, capsule selection, and manufacturing control.

Capsules and tablets are the most practical formats for plant-based positioning, but both require careful evaluation of ingredient origin and production conditions.

Brands that define these factors early are more likely to achieve stable products and consistent regulatory compliance.

Next step

If you are considering vegan or vegetarian supplements in Europe, align early on:

• ingredient sourcing
• capsule or tablet selection
• manufacturing compatibility
• labeling and claims

Early alignment reduces reformulation risk and supports efficient production.