Vegetable Capsules Market Size - Global Industry, Share, Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2023 - 2032

The Global Vegetable Capsules Market Size accounted for USD 486.5 Million in 2022 and is projected to achieve a market size of USD 1,013.6 Million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Vegetable Capsules Market Key Highlights

• Global vegetable capsules market revenue is expected to increase by USD 1,013.6 Million by 2032, with a 7.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2032
• North America region led with more than 40% of vegetable capsules market share in 2022
• Asia-Pacific vegetable capsules market growth will record a CAGR of over 8% from 2023 to 2032
• By application, the dietary supplements segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022
• The nutraceutical industry is one of the fastest-growing applications of pullulan capsules, with a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032
• Increasing demand for plant-based and natural products, drives the vegetable capsules market value

Vegetable capsules are made of plant-based materials, usually cellulose or pullulan, and are used as an alternative to traditional gelatin capsules. These capsules are popular among vegetarians, vegans, and those who prefer plant-based products. Vegetable capsules are also considered more environmentally friendly than gelatin capsules because they are biodegradable and do not come from animal sources.

The market for vegetable capsules has been growing steadily in recent years. One of the main drivers of this growth is the increasing demand for natural and plant-based products. As more people become aware of the environmental and health benefits of plant-based products, the demand for vegetable capsules is expected to continue to rise. In addition, the dietary supplement industry, which is a major consumer of capsules, has been growing rapidly in recent years, further driving demand for vegetable capsules. North America is the largest market for vegetable capsules, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific. The growth in these regions is driven by the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits of plant-based products, as well as the growing demand for natural and organic products.

Global Vegetable Capsules Market Trends

Market Drivers

• Increasing demand for plant-based and natural products
• Growth in the dietary supplement industry
• Rising health awareness among consumers
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable nature of vegetable capsules
• Growing vegan and vegetarian population

Market Restraints

• Higher cost compared to gelatin capsules
• Limited availability of raw materials
• Stringent regulations and certifications required for production

Market Opportunities

• Growing trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly packaging
• Development of new technologies for the production and formulation of vegetable capsules

Vegetable Capsules Market Report Coverage

Vegetable capsules are derived from pullulan, a safe, water-soluble polysaccharide. Such vegetable capsules are preservative-free, gluten and starch free, and completely biodegradable. Vegetable capsules are vital in order to get one’s daily dose of essential oils. The market for vegetable capsules is expected to grow enormously as they are rapidly replacing hard-shell gelatin capsules and also helping to meet the dietary and cultural needs of vegetarians. Furthermore, various pharmaceutical companies are establishing long-term contracts with vegetable capsule manufacturers for competitive pricing, which would in turn boost market growth.

The market for vegetable capsules is growing at a significant pace. These capsules are helpful in masking odors and bad taste; easy to swallow; and readily dissolvable. In addition, vegetable capsules can be used for a variety of products, which are moisture-sensitive, hygroscopic, and liquid formulations. The vegetable capsules market has completely taken over hard gelatin capsules due to various benefits associated with the former. Major consumer populations have claimed vegetable capsules to be ideal for improving the bioavailability of oil-soluble ingredients, superior in disintegration properties to other non-animal technologies, and extremely stable in hot climates with no stickiness attributes. Hence, these factors altogether would propel the growth of the global vegetable capsule market. However, the high price of such capsules might hinder the growth of the market in long run.

Vegetable Capsules Market Segmentation

The global vegetable capsules market segmentation is based on product type, application, end-use industry, and geography.

Vegetable Capsules Market By Product Type

• Pullulan Capsules
• HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose) Capsules
• Starch-Based Capsules
• Others

According to the vegetable capsules industry analysis, the pullulan-based capsules segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Pullulan is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide that is produced by the fermentation of starch. It is a popular alternative to gelatin for the production of capsules due to its excellent film-forming and encapsulation properties. Pullulan capsules are considered a premium product in the vegetable capsule market due to their unique properties and superior quality. The pullulan capsules segment is expected to experience significant growth in the vegetable capsule market due to their increasing demand in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Pullulan capsules are highly compatible with a wide range of formulations, including those that are sensitive to moisture and oxygen. This makes them a preferred choice for the encapsulation of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that require stable and high-quality packaging.

Vegetable Capsules Market By Application

• Antibiotics
• Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
• Antacids and Anti-flatulents
• Cardiovascular Therapy
• Others

In terms of application, the vitamins and dietary supplements segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. As consumers become more health conscious, the demand for dietary supplements is increasing. The use of vegetable capsules for the encapsulation of vitamins and dietary supplements has several advantages over gelatin capsules, including their natural origin, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly properties. Vegetable capsules, including those made from pullulan, are highly compatible with a wide range of formulations, including vitamins and dietary supplements. They are also more stable and resistant to moisture and oxygen, which can degrade the quality of the supplements over time. As a result, the use of vegetable capsules in the encapsulation of vitamins and dietary supplements is becoming more popular and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Vegetable Capsules Market By End-Use Industry

• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Nutraceutical Industry
• Cosmetic Industry
• Others

According to the vegetable capsules market forecast, the nutraceutical industry segment is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. Nutraceuticals are food products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, and include dietary supplements, functional foods, and medicinal foods. The use of vegetable capsules in the nutraceutical industry is increasing due to their natural origin, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly properties, as well as their ability to encapsulate a wide range of nutraceutical ingredients. Vegetable capsules, particularly those made from pullulan, are highly compatible with a wide range of nutraceutical formulations. They are also more stable and resistant to moisture and oxygen, which can degrade the quality of nutraceutical ingredients over time. As a result, the use of vegetable capsules in the nutraceutical industry is becoming more popular and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Vegetable Capsules Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)