Does Spring Valley Vitamin D Have Gelatin? A Look at the Ingredients

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to official ingredient lists, many Spring Valley Vitamin D softgel products do contain gelatin, which is a key consideration for consumers with dietary restrictions. This guide will detail which Spring Valley Vitamin D formulas contain gelatin and provide insight into making an informed decision about your supplement choice.

Quick Summary

Most Spring Valley Vitamin D3 softgels contain animal-derived gelatin, a critical fact for those with dietary restrictions. Shoppers should examine specific product labels carefully for ingredients like 'Gelatin,' as vegetarian and vegan alternatives exist within the brand's offerings.

Key Points

Softgels Contain Gelatin: Most Spring Valley Vitamin D softgels are made with animal-derived gelatin, a common ingredient for this type of capsule.
Tablets are Gelatin-Free: Spring Valley also offers vitamin D in tablet and quick-dissolve forms, which typically do not contain gelatin.
Ingredient Label is Key: The only way to be certain is to carefully check the "Other Ingredients" section on the product's label for the specific formulation.
Source of Gelatin: Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, commonly from cows (bovine) or pigs (porcine).
Vegan Alternatives Exist: For strict vegans or vegetarians, alternatives sourced from lichen are available from other brands or potentially from specific Spring Valley tablets.
Not All Spring Valley is the Same: Due to the wide variety of products under the Spring Valley brand, generalizations about all their vitamins are inaccurate.

The Ingredient Breakdown: Softgels vs. Tablets

One of the most important factors in determining if a Spring Valley Vitamin D product contains gelatin is its form. Most softgel capsules, which are common for fat-soluble vitamins like D3, are made with gelatin derived from animal collagen. This is true for many of Spring Valley's softgel varieties, and ingredient labels clearly confirm its presence. However, not all Spring Valley Vitamin D products come in softgel form. The company also offers tablets and quick-dissolve formulations, which typically do not use gelatin and may be suitable for vegetarians.

Why Gelatin is Used in Softgels

Gelatin is an effective and inexpensive gelling agent and stabilizer. It is derived from the collagen found in animal bones, skin, and connective tissues, often from cows or pigs. The compound's properties allow it to form a strong, pliable shell that protects the liquid contents of a supplement. For a fat-soluble vitamin like D3, which is often suspended in oil (like soybean or corn oil), a softgel capsule is an ideal delivery system. This is why consumers looking for vegetarian or vegan options often need to look beyond the standard softgel offerings.

Deciphering Spring Valley's Vitamin D Formulas

Shoppers must scrutinize the ingredient list on the back of any Spring Valley product, as the brand sells various formulations. A product advertised as a "softgel" is a red flag for those avoiding animal products, while other formats are more likely to be vegetarian-friendly. For example, some quick-dissolve tablets do not contain gelatin.

Common ingredients found in Spring Valley Vitamin D softgels often include:

Soybean Oil
Gelatin (Bovine-sourced)
Glycerin
Purified Water
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives to Spring Valley D3

For those who need to avoid gelatin, several alternatives exist, both from Spring Valley and other brands. For a plant-based option, it's essential to find a supplement that sources its vitamin D3 from lichen, rather than the more common lanolin (sheep's wool) source for D3. Vegan Vitamin D2 is also an option, but D3 is often preferred for its absorption efficiency.

Here is a list of alternative options to consider:

Spring Valley Quick-Dissolve Tablets: Check the specific product label, as many tablet formulations are made without gelatin.
Other brands of Vegan D3: Products specifically labeled as "vegan" or sourced from lichen, like those offered by Solgar or Doctor's Best, are reliable options.
Plant-Based Capsules: Some manufacturers use cellulose or tapioca starch to create vegetarian and vegan capsules that contain no animal products.

Comparison Table: Spring Valley vs. Alternatives


Feature	Spring Valley D3 Softgels	Spring Valley D3 Tablets	Vegan D3 Alternatives
Gelatin	Contains animal-derived gelatin	Does not contain gelatin	Does not contain gelatin
Source	Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) often from lanolin	Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)	Vitamin D3 from lichen or Vitamin D2
Form	Softgel capsule	Quick-dissolve tablet	Capsule, softgel (plant-based), liquid
Dietary	Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans	Suitable for vegetarians (check specific label)	Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Availability	Widely available at Walmart and other retailers	Widely available at Walmart and other retailers	Available at specialty health stores and online

What to Look for on the Label

Making an informed decision requires knowing what to look for on a product's label. Always read the "Other Ingredients" section, not just the supplement facts. Look for the words "Gelatin," "Bovine Gelatin," or "Porcine Gelatin," which indicate an animal source. In contrast, a vegetarian-friendly softgel will typically specify "Plant-Based," "Vegetable-Derived," or use ingredients like "Vegetable Glycerin" and "Tapioca Starch". If a product is certified vegan by an organization, it will usually be explicitly stated on the packaging.

Conclusion: Read Your Labels

The definitive answer to "Does Spring Valley Vitamin D have gelatin?" is that many of their popular softgel formulations do. However, this does not apply to all Spring Valley Vitamin D products. By understanding the difference between softgels and other formats like tablets, and by carefully examining the ingredient list, consumers can determine if a particular product meets their dietary needs. For vegetarians and vegans, the best practice is to always check the label for the specific product and consider looking into Spring Valley's tablet options or other brands that offer certified vegan vitamin D supplements, often sourcing D3 from lichen. With so many options available, finding a high-quality, gelatin-free vitamin D supplement has never been easier.

For more specific ingredient details on a particular product, it can be helpful to cross-reference product UPC codes with trusted ingredient databases like Cooklist.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Spring Valley Vitamin D is made with gelatin. While their softgel products almost always contain animal-derived gelatin, some tablets and other formulations are gelatin-free. Always check the ingredient label of the specific product.

The gelatin used in Spring Valley softgels is typically sourced from bovine (cow) collagen. For specific sourcing information, checking the product's label or contacting the manufacturer directly is best.

Look at the ingredients list on the product label. If it is a softgel, it is likely to contain gelatin. If it is a tablet or chewable, it is more likely to be gelatin-free. An explicit 'Vegetarian' or 'Vegan' certification is the clearest indicator.

Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Some Spring Valley tablets are vegetarian, and many other brands offer plant-based vitamin D3 sourced from lichen or vitamin D2 from yeast.

Most Spring Valley softgels use animal-derived gelatin. However, some brands do produce vegan softgels using plant-based ingredients like tapioca starch. Always check the specific product label for confirmation.

Both D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) can be made with or without gelatin, depending on the supplement's formulation. Historically, D3 was often sourced from lanolin and D2 from yeast, making D2 a common vegan choice, but vegan D3 from lichen is now widely available.

Vegetarians and vegans should always read the full ingredients list on supplements, regardless of brand. Look for certifications like 'Certified Vegan' or 'Vegetarian' and check for any mention of 'Gelatin' in the ingredients. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or opt for products explicitly labeled for your dietary needs.