Pullulan vs HPMC vs Gelatin: The Clean Capsule Comparison
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Pullulan vs HPMC vs Gelatin Capsules: Which is Best for Your Supplements?
At KOYAH, our mission is to make The Least Processed Supplements on Earth. That includes selecting the cleanest, highest-quality capsule material to match the purity of what goes inside.
When it comes to choosing between Pullulan, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), and Gelatin capsules, there are important differences in source, certifications, vegan status, and performance — especially if you care about organic, non-GMO, and plant-based products.
Below, we break down the facts so you can understand exactly why we choose certified organic Pullulan capsules for our products.
Capsule Material Comparison Chart
| Attribute | Pullulan (Organic) | HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) | Gelatin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Plant-based (fermented tapioca) | Plant-based (wood pulp / cotton cellulose) | Animal-based (bovine or porcine collagen) |
| Vegan / Plant-Based | ✔ Yes — 100% Vegan | ✔ Yes — 100% Vegan | ✘ No — Animal-derived |
| Certified Organic Available | ✔ Yes — USDA Organic Certified | ✘ No — Cannot be certified organic | ✘ No — Cannot be certified organic |
| Non-GMO | ✔ Yes — Non-GMO ingredients | ✔ Yes — Non-GMO ingredients | ⚠ Varies — Check source |
| Gluten-Free | ✔ Yes — Gluten-free | ✔ Yes — Gluten-free | ✔ Yes — Gluten-free |
| Oxygen Barrier | 🟢 Excellent — Best oxygen protection | 🟡 Good — Moderate oxygen protection | 🔴 Poor — Least oxygen protection |
Why Capsule Material Matters
1. Source: Plant-Based or Animal-Derived?
Pullulan is derived from fermented tapioca, making it a truly plant-based capsule material.
HPMC is also plant-based, processed from wood pulp or cotton fiber.
Gelatin comes from animal collagen — typically from cows or pigs — making it unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those following kosher or halal dietary restrictions.
2. Organic Certification: Only Pullulan Qualifies
If your goal is to maintain organic integrity from start to finish, Pullulan is the only capsule option that can be USDA Organic Certified. HPMC and Gelatin, due to their processing methods and sources, cannot meet organic certification requirements.
3. Non-GMO and Allergen-Free
All three capsule types are generally gluten-free. Both Pullulan and HPMC are consistently available as Non-GMO. With Gelatin, non-GMO status depends on how the animals were raised and what they were fed — so it’s important to verify the source.
4. Oxygen Barrier Performance: Protecting Potency
Pullulan capsules provide exceptional oxygen barrier properties, significantly outperforming both HPMC and Gelatin in protecting sensitive nutrients like probiotics, antioxidants, and oils from oxidation.
Why KOYAH Chooses Organic Pullulan Capsules
At KOYAH, we don’t cut corners on quality. From our freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to our encapsulation materials, we always seek out the least processed, cleanest options available.
By using USDA Organic Pullulan capsules, we stay true to our commitment to:
- 100% Plant-Based
- Certified Organic
- Non-GMO Verified
- Gluten-Free
- No Animal Products or Byproducts
- Excellent Nutrient Protection
This allows us to confidently stand behind our promise of The Least Processed Supplements on Earth.
Looking for Supplements You Can Trust?
Explore our line of freeze-dried whole food supplements, all made with organic Pullulan capsules — because what surrounds your nutrients matters just as much as what’s inside.
About KOYAH
At KOYAH, we believe that the best supplements are the ones that stay as close to nature as possible. Our products are always whole food-based, minimally processed, and made with integrity.