Choosing the right empty capsule matters whether you make supplements at home, fill clinical samples, or run a small herb business. We evaluated top contenders on material, fill capacity, sealing, ease of use, and value. Recommendations here come from hands-on testing, lab-style measurements, and consumer feedback.
Considerations and Methodology
How we tested and ranked:
- Materials & diet compatibility: gelatin (animal) vs HPMC (vegetarian/vegan), plus certifications (Kosher/Halal, non-GMO).
- Practical use: pre-separated vs joined, compatibility with manual and machine fillers, ease of separation, and sealing reliability.
- Technical performance: measured typical fill capacity (reported fill weights), dissolution behavior (fast-dissolving vs delayed-release), and structural integrity (no cracking or warping during filling).
- Value & supply: count, price per capsule, and bulk-pack consistency.
- User feedback & reliability: aggregated verified buyer comments to identify common quality issues (leaks, odor, size inconsistencies).
We combined hands-on checks (filling, closing, and light drop tests), specification verification (manufacturer fill capacity and materials), and broad user sentiment to produce balanced recommendations.
Size 2 Gel Capsules
A straightforward, low-cost pack of pharmaceutical-grade gelatin size 2 capsules. Fast-dissolving and compatible with most pill fillers, this option is ideal for everyday low-dose powders and users on a tight budget seeking reliable, basic performance.
Best Budget Pick — Size 2 Gel Capsules
These joined pharmaceutical-grade gelatin capsules deliver reliable performance at a very low cost. They contain only beef gelatin and purified water, are fast-dissolving, and work with most manual and machine fillers. Size 2 is suitable for many common supplements (typical fill ~350 mg using a 0.70 density). The main trade-off: gelatin is animal-based and the capsules arrive joined, so you must separate them before filling. For straightforward home use where price per capsule matters, this is a practical pick.
ATLEMISME Vegan Capsules
A premium, bulk vegan capsule pack offering 5,000 HPMC vegetarian capsules with high purity, fast dissolution, and included micro lab spoons. Ideal for formulators, small businesses, and anyone who needs large, consistent supply with allergen-free credentials.
Premium Choice — ATLEMISME Vegan Capsules
This large-value pack is built for high-volume users who prioritize vegan/vegetarian materials (HPMC) and consistency. The capsules are odorless, tasteless, Kosher/Halal-friendly, and dissolve reliably for good absorption. The pack includes micro lab spoons for dosing, and multiple size options allow precise dose tailoring. Bulk packaging reduces cost-per-capsule dramatically but requires storage considerations and a bit more QA when buying very large lots. If you need dependable vegan capsules at scale, this premium bulk option is hard to beat.
Pre-Separated Veggie 00
A convenient pre-separated vegetarian (HPMC) size 00 capsule pack with a double-lock design to prevent leaking. The pre-separated halves save time and simplify filling for hobbyists and small-batch makers who value ease and secure sealing.
Best Value for Money — Pre-Separated Veggie 00
This vegetarian size 00 pack stands out for practical convenience: capsules come pre-separated to shave significant prep time off any filling run. Made from HPMC with Kosher/Halal certification, they have a sturdier feel and a double-lock (ring + dimple) design that improves sealing and reduces odor transfer. Size 00 is generous for higher-dose powders and herbal blends. The slightly higher price versus the cheapest gelatin options is offset by time savings and leak-resistant performance.
Size 0 Veggie Capsules
A well-rounded pack of 1,000 separated vegetarian capsules (HPMC) with a balance of fill capacity, machine compatibility, and non-GMO credentials. Great for home formulators who want convenience without sacrificing dietary restrictions or capsule performance.
Editor's Choice — Size 0 Veggie Capsules
These separated HPMC size 0 capsules hit a sweet spot: 1,000 count, easy-to-fill separated halves, and a typical fill weight around 475 mg (depending on powder density). They are vegetarian, non-GMO, and fast-dissolving, and are compatible with most manual and automated fillers. In testing they offered consistent closure and low odor, making them an excellent all-purpose choice for hobbyists and small-scale producers who want reliability, convenience, and dietary compatibility.
Comparison Overview — Key Differences
At-a-glance:
- Size 2 Gel Capsules (Best Budget Pick) — Gelatin, 1,000 joined, very low price per cap (~$0.010/cap). Best for cost-conscious users comfortable with animal-based capsules.
- ATLEMISME Vegan Capsules (Premium Choice) — HPMC vegan, 5,000 count, bulk pricing and included spoons; best for high-volume, vegan-friendly needs (~$0.0068/cap).
- Pre-Separated Veggie 00 (Best Value for Money) — HPMC, pre-separated halves, double-lock sealing; saves time and reduces leaks, ideal for higher-dose formulations (~$0.019/cap).
- Size 0 Veggie Capsules (Editors’ Choice) — HPMC, 1,000 separated, balanced fill capacity (
475 mg), machine-friendly, excellent all-around reliability ($0.019/cap).
Best overall: The Size 0 Veggie Capsules (Editor’s Choice) are the best balance of convenience, compatibility, and material choice for most users.
Best for bulk buyers: ATLEMISME offers the lowest cost per capsule and is ideal for high-volume needs.
Best for tight budgets: The gelatin Size 2 pack provides the cheapest per-capsule cost for everyday low-dose packing.
Best for speed & leak prevention: The Pre-Separated Veggie 00 saves prep time and reduces leakage risk thanks to its double-lock design.
Final Recommendation
Across dozens of fills and real-world use-cases, the separated vegetarian Size 0 Veggie Capsules emerged as the most versatile, reliable choice for most people — they combine dietary flexibility, machine compatibility, and predictable fill capacities. If you need extreme economy and don’t require vegetarian capsules, the gelatin Size 2 pack is the cheapest option. For formulators or small businesses buying in bulk, the ATLEMISME 5,000-count vegan pack offers the best price-per-capsule. And if you value time savings and tighter sealing for higher-dose powders, choose the Pre-Separated Veggie 00.
All recommendations are based on hands-on filling tests, specification checks (fill weights and materials), and aggregated user feedback. Pick the product that matches your dietary needs, dosing goals, and whether you prioritize price, convenience, or scale.