Choosing empty capsules for supplements, herbs, or private-label work usually comes down to gelatin or HPMC (plant-based / vegetarian). Here is a practical Baltics B2B view — what changes, when to pick which, and where delayed-release fits.
Gelatin capsules
Gelatin capsules are made from animal gelatin. They are widely used, familiar to manufacturers, and often the more economical option for standard dry fills.
- Good for powders and many dry blends
- Common sizes (#000–#3 and others)
- Often the best price/performance choice for routine B2B orders
Browse the catalog: empty gelatin capsules — start with link size #00.
HPMC (vegetarian / plant-based) capsules
HPMC capsules are made from plant cellulose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). Choose them when the finished product must be vegetarian or vegan, or when buyers explicitly ask for non-animal materials.
- Plant-based material — vegetarian positioning
- Often preferred for export and clean-label lines
- Available in the same common sizes as gelatin
See vegetarian HPMC capsules — e.g. link size #00.Our vegetarian HPMC capsules are used in products that have successfully passed Ekoagros organic certification. Suitable for producers aiming for organic labeling (final approval always depends on the certifier and the full formula).
When do you need delayed-release?
If the formula should pass the stomach and release later, you need delayed-release (enteric) capsules — not standard gelatin or HPMC. That is a separate product line.
Example: empty delayed-release capsules size #0 · category: delayed-release.
How to choose a size
Size (#00, #0, #1…) controls fill volume and whether the capsule fits your filling machine. Typical fill weight depends on powder density — each product page lists dimensions and an indicative fill range.
- #00 — one of the most common B2B sizes
- #0 — slightly smaller, frequent for daily supplements
- Smaller sizes — when you need a tighter dose or a smaller capsule
Full shop: BaltCaps capsule catalog.
Short takeaway
Gelatin — classic, cost-effective B2B default. HPMC — when you need vegetarian / plant-based positioning. Delayed-release — when release timing matters. BaltCaps supplies all three for Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia from EU stock, with clear pack sizes and prices in EUR.