Most empty capsule shells are made of gelatin as the main raw material, and gelatin is obtained from beef bone, cowhide, and pig skin, so it is meat. When vegetarians take medicine or healthy food, they can pay attention to whether the product label is "vegetable capsules". Unless otherwise specified, it is generally a capsule from animal raw materials.

    The main raw material of vegetable capsules is HPMC, which is extracted from the cellulose of pine wood or cotton.

    How to distinguish animal capsules or vegetable capsules can be judged by the results of soaking in hot water. Animal gelatin capsules will be melted into irregular jelly in hot water. Stir continuously in hot water (80°C), and it will dissolve within 10 minutes. Vegetable capsules will swell after absorbing water, and the color will change from transparent to white mist opaque. After cooling to room temperature (25°C) and stirring continuously, it will disintegrate into transparent fine pieces after about 15 minutes.

    The population of modern vegetarians is increasing, and some health foods on the market are sold with the appeal of "vegetable capsules", but there are still not many products using plant-based capsules, and the price is higher than animal capsule products. Those who must eat vegan can pay attention to whether the vegetable capsules are indicated on the product packaging.