Empty Vegan HPMC Capsules, Size 0, 400 pcs

What are HPMC capsules?

HPMC, or hypromellose, is a derivative of plant cellulose used as a capsule shell in place of gelatine. A capsule consists of two halves – a body and a cap – that lock together when pressed. An empty capsule can be filled at home by hand or with a simple filling tray.

The difference from a gelatine capsule is the origin: gelatine is animal-derived, HPMC is plant-derived. That makes these capsules suitable for vegans and vegetarians and for people who avoid animal-derived substances for religious reasons. An HPMC capsule also tolerates moisture better, so it suits hygroscopic powders and oils.

The capsules are clear, odourless and tasteless. Size 0 is the most common size for home use: roomy enough, yet easy to swallow.

How to use

Filling with powder

Pull the two halves apart, fill the longer half (the body) with powder and press the shorter half (the cap) on until it locks. For faster filling, use a filling tray made for size 0, which takes several dozen capsules at once.

Filling with oil

Fill the body with oil using a pipette or a small syringe, leaving a little room below the rim, and close the cap. Fill oil capsules just before use – HPMC holds oil, but hand-filled capsules are not meant for long storage.

How much fits?

A size 0 capsule has a volume of 0.68 ml. A light powder (0.6 g/ml) fits about 400 mg, a dense powder (1.2 g/ml) about 800 mg. For the exact amount, weigh 10 filled capsules and subtract the weight of the empty capsules (one empty capsule weighs about 0.1 g).

The capsules fit all common manual filling trays and industrial capsule fillers.

Composition and quality

Composition: hypromellose (HPMC, E464), potassium chloride (below 0.5%), water (3–8%). No gelatine, preservatives or colours.

The manufacturer tests every batch for disintegration time (under 15 minutes), loss on drying, heavy metals and microbiology. The capsules are produced under GMP conditions and are not sterilised with ethylene oxide or any antibacterial agent.

Dimensions, size 0: closed length 21.6 mm, body diameter 7.3 mm, cap diameter 7.6 mm, capsule weight about 101 mg, volume 0.68 ml.

Origin

The capsules are made by Uni-Capsule (Jiangsu) Co. in China. We pack them in Estonia in resealable bags of 400; net weight of the pack 35 g.

Storage

Store at 10–25 °C in a room with moderate humidity (35–65%), away from heat and direct sunlight. Close the bag after use – in air that is too dry the capsules become brittle, in air that is too humid they soften. Shelf life is 5 years from production; the date is on the pack.

Frequently asked questions

Are the capsules suitable for vegans?

Yes. Hypromellose is a derivative of plant cellulose; the capsules contain no gelatine or any other substance of animal origin.

How quickly does a capsule dissolve?

According to the manufacturer’s specification, a capsule disintegrates in under 15 minutes. There is no need to soak a capsule before swallowing.

Can I put oil in the capsules?

Yes, an HPMC capsule also suits liquids. Fill oil capsules just before use, not for stock.

What size is size 0?

Size 0 is a closed capsule 21.6 mm long with a volume of 0.68 ml – the most common size in food supplements. Size 00 is larger, sizes 1–4 are smaller.

Can the capsules be used to encapsulate food?

The capsules are intended for encapsulating food supplements and food powders. What you put in them is your choice and your responsibility; we give no advice on medicines or substances with a medicinal effect.

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