Empty pill capsules let you take control of your supplements, personalize your doses, and avoid unnecessary fillers. But if you're new to capsule-making, questions like “Where do I buy empty capsules?” or “How do I fill them at home?” are common. This guide answers all your questions — from what capsules are made of to buying tips and DIY filling tools.
What Are Pill Capsules Made Of?
Pill capsules are small shells made to hold powders, herbs, or oils. There are two main types:
- Gelatin capsules: Made from animal by-products like bovine hide. They’re cheap and widely available.
- Vegetarian capsules: Made from plant-based materials like HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) or Pullulan, suitable for vegans or religious dietary needs.
Some capsules include additives like coloring agents or preservatives. Most high-quality capsules, however, are pure and tasteless.
Where Can You Buy Empty Capsules?
1. Online Marketplaces
Most people buy capsules online. These are the top choices:
- Amazon: Good for small personal orders
- iHerb, Walmart: Offers brand variety
- BuyEmptyCapsules.com.au: Specialized in empty capsules by size and material
- Capsule Connection: Popular for DIY kits
2. Specialized Bulk Suppliers
If you want larger quantities or are starting a small business:
- LTPM CHINA: Supplier of capsule machines and empty capsules
- Local nutraceutical suppliers
3. Local Stores
Some pharmacy chains or health food stores offer limited sizes (usually 0 or 00) in gelatin or vegetarian varieties.
Capsule Size Chart & Selection Guide
Capsule sizes range from 000 (largest) to 5 (smallest). The most common:
Fill weight depends on powder density. Herbal powders take up more space; fine synthetic powders compress more.
🧠 Tip: Start with size 00 — easiest for most people to swallow and fill.
How to Fill Capsules at Home
Manual Filling (Step-by-Step)
What you need:
- Empty capsules (split into cap and body)
- A capsule tray (100-hole is standard)
- Powder (pre-mixed supplement or herb)
- Tiny funnel or spoon
- Scraper and tamper (for compressing)
source: cecle
Steps:
- Place capsule bodies into the tray
- Pour powder gently and spread with scraper
- Use tamper to compress and top off
- Cap each filled body
- Store in an airtight container with desiccant
DIY Tips for Precision Filling
- Use a tiny dosing funnel or disposable pipette for fine powders
- Try vibration trays or funnel extenders
- Don’t pack too tight — it may affect capsule closure
- Work on a clean, static-free surface
Automatic Capsule Filling Machines
If you want to fill hundreds or thousands per day, go semi- or fully-automatic.
Types include:
- Semi-auto capsule fillers: Manually load powder, but automatic locking
- Dosator-based fillers: Precise powder measurement, common in pharma
- DIY powder dispensers: For tech-savvy hobbyists
🏭 Explore LTPM CHINA capsule machines
Making Your Own Capsules: Best Practices
Popular DIY blends include:
- Mushroom capsules (lion’s mane, reishi)
- Herbal powders (ashwagandha, turmeric, rhodiola)
- Vitamin blends (B-complex, magnesium, adaptogens)
Tips:
- Weigh your powders with a mini scale
- Blend powders thoroughly for consistent doses
- Always wear gloves and mask to avoid contamination
Want to try herbal tablets instead? You can also make cold-press honey tablets with molds or a tablet press.
Tools & Kits You’ll Need
How to Use and Take Capsules Safely
- Take capsules with water (not juice or hot drinks)
- If powder tastes bad, don’t open it
- Swallow quickly to avoid taste release
- Don’t split capsules unless prescribed
- Store in cool, dry place
From DIY to Small Business
- If you’re expanding to sell your capsules:
- Consider semi-auto or full-auto fillers
- Source food-grade capsule materials
- Use dosator systems for fine powder accuracy
- Label your products properly (dosage, warnings)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill capsules with liquids?
Only special liquid-fill capsules support that. Regular gelatin ones will melt.
How do I store filled capsules?
Use amber bottles, add desiccants, and keep cool.
Are plastic capsules safe?
Capsules are not plastic. They are made of gelatin or plant cellulose and are generally recognized as safe.
What if my powder sticks?
Use a tamper or anti-caking agents like rice flour or silica (in small amounts).
Conclusion
Buying and filling your own capsules gives you freedom and control over what you consume. Whether you're blending mushrooms or custom vitamins, the tools are easy to get, and the process is simple. Start with manual kits, and if needed, scale up with automated solutions.