With its strong and consistent growth, the North American empty capsules market is largely driven by increased demand from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Capsules are widely used in both sectors due to their convenience, ease of swallowing, ability to mask taste, and compatibility with a variety of active ingredients.
In the United States and Canada, consumers are becoming more health conscious, which is part of the reason why dietary supplements in capsule form are on the rise. This includes everything from basic vitamins to advanced functional ingredients targeting energy, sleep, immunity, and gut health. With the pharmaceutical industry, capsules remain essential for delivering both prescription and over-the-counter medications efficiently and safely.
Growing consumer preference for vegetarian, clean-label, and allergen-free products is also driving the market toward non-gelatin capsules, particularly those made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and pullulan.
North America is one of the leading consumer segments in the global empty capsule market due to the uptake of health-enhancing products.1 Valued at USD 3.6 billion in 2023, the empty capsules market is forecasted to grow from USD 3.82 billion in 2024 to USD 6.19 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.2%.2 This region’s trajectory is influenced by aging demographics, a focus on preventive health, and the increasing consumption of nutraceutical supplements.
Additionally, changing consumer preferences (such as the move toward plant-based and clean-label capsule options) as well as a focus on product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance are influencing this growing demand. As a result, North American businesses and capsule manufacturers are expanding their product lines by adding vegetarian capsules, exploring innovative delivery methods, and prioritizing supply chain dependability. These shifting expectations are creating a number of important factors that keep the region’s growth moving forward.
A number of variables are influencing the market’s pace and direction as the demand for capsules is rising throughout North America. Getting a grasp on these fundamental factors can help explain some of the region’s steady expansion as well as the evolving demands of suppliers, manufacturers, and customers.
To manage overall wellness, prevent illness, and support long-term health goals, more and more North American consumers are turning to nutraceuticals. In the United States, supplements like probiotics, multivitamins, herbal extracts, and other health supplement solutions are a part of everyday life. Capsules remain a preferred format because of their convenience, ease of swallowing, and ability to mask unpleasant tastes.
The pharmaceutical industry has a strong presence in the North American market, and capsules are an important form of medicine delivery. Whether for prescription medications or for over-the-counter products, capsules allow for flexibility in formulation as well as precise dosing. With the development of specialized delivery options, such as liquid-filled, delayed-release, or acid-resistant, manufacturers are relying more and more capsule suppliers.3
A growing number of consumers focused on healthy aging is another driving force shaping the empty capsule market.4 In order to manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cognitive decline, typically medical and nutritional support is needed. This not only includes medications but also nutraceutical supplements. The same previously mentioned benefits of encapsulation also apply to this consumer segment; capsules are easy to swallow and reduce the risk of choking while providing more accurate dosing.
There are several types of segments in the empty capsule market. Capsule types, functionality, and application present a variety of possibilities for drug and supplement manufacturers.
Capsules are made from a wide range of materials. In North America, traditional gelatin capsules and plant-based capsules derived from HPMC and pullulan are widely used.
Capsules can be created to release contents at different rates and times based on the product’s intended purposes.
Empty capsules can be used in a number of product categories, from medicine to wellness and even beauty.
Manufacturers and suppliers may find a combination of strategic opportunities and challenges as the North American empty capsule industry expands. These factors, ranging from supply chain volatility to regulatory requirements, can impact cost, product availability, and speed to market.
Some of the strictest regulatory systems in the world are found in North America; the FDA and Health Canada both regulate manufacturing and labeling requirements for capsules.1213 Although this helps with safety and consistency in encapsulated products, it could potentially complicate things for manufacturers, particularly small businesses or international companies entering the North American market. Investing in quality systems and documentation can help ensure cGMP compliance while navigating the evolving standards for allergen-free and clean-label claims.
As with many industries, capsule manufacturing can be affected by the global supply chain. Because it’s sourced from bovine or porcine materials, gelatin can be affected by disease outbreaks and can conflict with some consumers’ cultural restrictions. With plant-based capsules, HPMC and pullulan materials depend on agricultural factors and regional availability. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers operating in North America need to secure trusted supplier relationships while employing a stable sourcing strategy to prevent any potential bottlenecks.
Although North America is a large and competitive region, there are still unexplored opportunities for empty capsules. The market is shifting towards more specialized products that support customized wellness goals (e.g., mood, brain health, or metabolic support). More and more online platforms are offering personalized weight-loss and mental health solutions, which could potentially result in more demand for encapsulated medicine and direct-to-consumer supplements.1415
Manufacturers, brands, and ingredient suppliers have a clear opportunity to meet changing demands as the empty capsules market in North America keeps growing.
Success in the North American market will be determined by quality, adaptability, and consumer-focused product development. Manufacturers will be poised to take the lead in this changing market if they shift their product focus on delivery innovation, health trends, and regulatory requirements.
Although the North American market for empty capsules is well-established, it continues to develop and evolve. There is still much space for growth, particularly for businesses that can provide reliable, high-quality capsule solutions while also adjusting to shifting trends. The next phase of competition in this area will be characterized by adaptability, flexibility, and a focus on specialized health solutions.
Vivion provides a variety of bulk empty capsules, including gelatin, HPMC, and pullulan. If you are searching for a reliable partner to assist with your production, our documentation, inventory, and customer support are designed to help companies like yours. Whether you’re growing an existing product line or creating something entirely new, get in touch with our team of experts today to get started.
