Capsules — the workhorse format for broad active ranges.
Hard-shell capsules across HPMC and gelatin options, project-managed inside the quality-controlled supply chain.
- Shell
- HPMC · Gelatin
- Routes
- White-label · Semi-custom · Custom
- Pathways
- EU · UK · US
- Working routes
- 3
- Project gates
- 4
- Pathways
- EU · UK · US
white-label · semi-custom · custom.
brief · spec · artwork · release.
reviewed per target-market framework.
Capsules are the workhorse: broad active range, low excipient burden, fast spec lock when the active list is clean. DAT routes capsule projects inside the same four-gate model as the gummy platform.
- Shell
- HPMC · Gelatin
- Size
- 00 · 0 · 1 · 2 (per project)
- Routes
- White-label · Semi-custom · Custom
- Gates
- Brief · Spec · Artwork · Release
When capsules earn their place
Capsules fit ranges that need a clean nutrition table, broad active flexibility, or a clinical-looking SKU alongside a gummy or chew. Vegan HPMC shells are routine.
- Clinical-looking daily-use ranges (multivitamin, mineral, mushroom).
- High-active stacks that do not fit a gummy or chew matrix.
- Range extensions where the brand needs a capsule SKU alongside a gummy hero.
Pick the route that matches the brief.
Every project moves through one of three routes. Final routing is confirmed inside the portal — the route shapes the documentation set and the timeline.
Reviewed concept, brand artwork.
Pick a reviewed pectin-gummy concept from the catalogue and adapt brand artwork. The fastest path from brief to launch — packaging, claims and documentation are reviewed against the target market.
- Best for
- First gummy SKU · short timelines
- Lead time
- Confirmed in the quote
Adjusted within an existing matrix.
Adjust dose, flavour or active stack within an existing matrix. Differentiate the SKU without a full custom-development cycle. Documentation route follows the same project gates.
- Best for
- Differentiated SKU · existing brand
- Lead time
- Confirmed in the quote
Bespoke formulation and dieline.
Fully bespoke formulation, custom flavour profile and packaging dieline. The right route for category-defining launches with longer planning windows and committed quantities.
- Best for
- Category-defining launch · committed quantities
- Lead time
- Confirmed in the quote
PET bottle · Blister · Doypack
Capsule packaging is confirmed per project — bottle, blister and pouch options are routinely reviewed.
- PET bottle
Canonical supplement format. Suits 30/60/90-day daily-use ranges.
- Blister
Premium presentation, common in pharmacy-channel SKUs.
- Doypack
Lower secondary-packaging footprint, strong DTC unboxing.
Project gates, not promises
DAT releases documentation as the project moves through each gate. Batch-release documents are issued after production and QC release.
- 01StageBrief reviewReviewed
Target market, format, quantity, claims direction
WhenProject entry
ReceivesFeasibility view + working route confirmation
- 02StageFormula & spec confirmationReviewed
Formulation route, allergen statement, per-SKU specification
WhenAfter brief sign-off
ReceivesSpecification draft + spec-locked formula
- 03StageArtwork & label reviewReviewed
Dieline, on-pack copy, claim wording per market framework
WhenIn parallel with spec lock
ReceivesReviewed artwork against the target-market framework
- 04StageProduction & QCReviewed
In-process control plan, stability and QC release rules
WhenOnce spec & artwork are signed off
ReceivesProduction run + in-process control records
- 05StageBatch-specific documentsReviewed
Per-batch QC, traceability, release-for-shipment
WhenAfter production & QC release
ReceivesBatch-specific Certificate of Analysis + traceability
- 06StageRepeat order supportReviewed
Forecast review, raw-material lead times, improvement notes
WhenPer repeat order
ReceivesRefreshed documentation per project stage
Documentation availability depends on product, market and project stage. The brand owner remains the food business operator and is responsible for final filings in each target market.
Concepts reviewed for this format
A short pick of reviewed concepts. Final positioning, claims and documentation are reviewed per project.
-
Vegan multivitamin capsule
HPMC shell with a broad daily-use active stack.
-
Magnesium glycinate capsule
Single-active capsule for sleep and recovery routines.
-
Functional-mushroom capsule
Multi-mushroom stack for daily wellness ranges.
Common actives for this format
Frequently asked questions
Are vegan capsule shells available?
Yes — HPMC shells are routine for capsule projects. Gelatin remains available where positioning calls for it. Shell choice is confirmed during the brief.
What capsule sizes does DAT support?
Sizes 00, 0, 1 and 2 are routinely reviewed. The right size depends on the active load and shell choice and is confirmed during spec.
Is white-label available for capsules?
Yes — capsules route through white-label, semi-custom and custom. White-label suits clean single-active or simple multi-active SKUs.
What documentation gates apply?
Brief review, spec confirmation, artwork review per the target-market framework, and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis after QC release.
What is the order of magnitude for a first run?
White-label projects start from 1,000 units; semi-custom from 2,500; custom development from 5,000. Final volumes are confirmed in the quote.
Request a capsule quote
Send the brief — DAT will route the project, confirm shell choice and frame the spec lock.