2025-08-18
For brands formulating encapsulated powders, the practical choice between size 00 vs 0 capsules comes down to dose load, mouthfeel, and cost-per-fill. Size 00 typically holds ~40% more volume than size 0, enabling higher-potency formulas or fewer capsules per serving. Size 0 offers a smaller profile for easier swallowing and tighter cost control when actives dose low-to-medium.
Capsules continue to represent a popular delivery form for supplements and pharmaceuticals. Two-piece empty hard capsule market had an estimated $1.2 billion in global sales in 2024, and projections of $2.23 billion by 2032 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.08%1.
The popularity of health supplement capsules varies among different generations.:
24% for Gen Z
21% for Millennials
17% for Gen X
22% for Boomers2
Keywords: Contract manufacturer, White label factory, Capsule manufacturing, Private label supplement manufacturers, Nutraceutical manufacturing, OEM dietary supplements manufacturer.
Gelatin (Pharma Grade): Derived from bovine or porcine collagen, sourced from BSE/TSE-free supply chains; commonly Halal/Kosher options available.
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose): Plant-based cellulose, typically sourced from sustainable pine pulp; ideal for vegetarian/vegan, heat-stable, and moisture-sensitive fills.
Pullulan: Fermentation-derived polysaccharide (often from tapioca starch); prized for oxygen barrier properties and clean-label positioning.
Specialty/Coatings: Enteric options (e.g., HPMC-AS), delayed-release and acid-resistant variants for probiotics and enzymes.
1.Solution Prep
Gelatin: Hydration, deaeration, viscosity control; colorants/opacifiers blended in.
HPMC/Pullulan: Cold-gelation or thermal systems with gelling agents (e.g., gellan, κ-carrageenan); pH and viscosity tuned for wall thickness.
2.Pin Dipping
Stainless-steel pins (caps & bodies) are dipped into the polymer solution to form uniform films.
3.Drying & Stripping
Controlled temperature/humidity tunnels set moisture; formed shells are stripped from pins.
4.Trimming & Joining
Precise cutting to length; bodies and caps joined to “pre-lock” dimensions.
5.Printing & Finishing
Logo/text printing (offset/rotogravure/laser); polishing and dust removal.
6.Quality Control
Weight/length wall-thickness checks; disintegration/dissolution tests; microbial & heavy-metal specs; compliance with cGMP, USP/Ph. Eur., ISO 9001/22000 where applicable.
| Attribute | Size 00 | Size 0 |
| Nominal volume | ~0.95 mL | ~0.68 mL |
| Approx. locked length | ~23.3 mm | ~21.7 mm |
| Approx. external diameter | ~8.1 mm | ~7.3 mm |
| Typical fill weight at 0.6 g/mL | ~570 mg | ~408 mg |
| Typical fill weight at 0.8 g/mL | ~760 mg | ~544 mg |
| Typical fill weight at 1.0 g/mL | ~950 mg | ~680 mg |
| Swallowability | Larger; may need coating/silicone polish | Smaller; easier to swallow |
| Cost-per-unit | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Best for | Higher doses, bulky botanicals, fewer caps/serving | Moderate doses, compact SKUs, broad consumer appeal |
In the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry, capsule size selection directly impacts formulation capacity, consumer experience, cost, and brand positioning.
While many capsule sizes exist (000 to 5), four dominate commercial use: 000, 00, 0, and 1. Among these, sizes 00 and 0 are the most common in retail-ready supplement lines, making the choice between them one of the most important formulation decisions your brand will make.
| Capsule Size | Volume (mL) | Max Fill Weight (1.0 g/mL) | Swallowability | Common Uses |
| 0 | ~1.37 | ~1,370 mg | Low | Bulk blends, sports powders |
| 0 | ~0.95 | ~950 mg | Medium-Low | High-potency blends |
| 0 | ~0.68 | ~680 mg | Medium-High | General supplements |
| 1 | ~0.50 | ~500 mg | High | Specialty actives |
1.When Size 00 Shines
Sports nutrition & nootropics: Creatine, beta-alanine, taurine, mushroom blends where 700–900 mg per cap is desirable.
Botanical extracts: Turmeric, ashwagandha, milk thistle—bulky or lower-density powders.
Fewer-capsule claims: Achieve “1–2 capsules per serving” on PDP.
2.When Size 0 Wins
Probiotics/enzymes: Moderate active mass with sensitive actives (pair with acid-resistant/enteric).
Specialty nutraceuticals: Resveratrol, CoQ10 complexes, NAC—typical 300–600 mg targets.
Mass retail lines: Easier swallow size reduces returns and supports broad demographics.
This empty capsule size chart should provide you with a good sense of different size capsules and the amount of materials that they can accommodate.
As a reliable nutritional supplement contract manufacturer in China, we support customization of over 3,000 ingredients and 400+ natural flavors, and offer a variety of packaging formats including capsules, tablets, and organic capsules. This is ideal for brands seeking formulation flexibility and packaging diversity. Please contact us today to explore your dietary supplement OEM formulation and packaging options.
How does capsule size affect production costs?
While the raw material cost difference between 00 and 0 is minimal, larger capsules may require fewer units per serving, which can reduce bottling and packaging costs. However, capsule 0 may improve consumer compliance due to easier swallowing.
Which industries use Capsule 00 vs Capsule 0?
Capsule 00: Often used in sports nutrition, herbal supplements, and probiotics where higher active ingredient loads are required.
Capsule 0: Frequently chosen for multivitamins, specialty formulas, and pet supplements where smaller serving sizes are desirable.
How does OriginBio help brands choose the right size?
OriginBio evaluates your formula, dosage requirements, and target consumer group before recommending Capsule 00 or 0. We also provide samples, stability testing, and full-scale manufacturing to ensure your product meets both functional and market demands.
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