What is the generic brand of psyllium?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to research, psyllium is the common generic name for a type of bulk-forming fiber supplement, and many brands contain it as their primary active ingredient. This means that while Metamucil is a well-known brand, countless store-brand and other generic versions on the market use psyllium as their key component.

Quick Summary

The term 'psyllium' itself is the generic name for a type of fiber supplement, with popular brand names like Metamucil simply containing psyllium husk as the active ingredient. Many affordable store-brand alternatives are widely available.

Key Points

Psyllium is the generic name: The word 'psyllium' itself is the generic term for the fibrous supplement ingredient, not a brand name.
Metamucil is a brand, not a generic: Metamucil is a well-known brand that uses psyllium husk as its primary active ingredient.
Generic options are widely available: Many store brands and alternative manufacturers produce psyllium fiber products that are typically more affordable than name brands.
Compare ingredient lists carefully: While the active ingredient is the same, generic and brand-name products may differ in their inactive ingredients, such as flavors and sweeteners.
Verify the active ingredient: To ensure you are getting a true psyllium product, check the label for 'psyllium husk,' 'psyllium fiber,' or 'psyllium seed' as the active component.
Effectiveness is consistent: The bulk-forming and digestive benefits of psyllium are consistent across all products, regardless of brand, as long as the active ingredient is the same.

Psyllium: The Generic Name for Fiber

Understanding the generic name for a product is crucial for making informed and often budget-friendly decisions. In the world of fiber supplements, the active ingredient is most commonly psyllium, which is derived from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant's seeds. Popular products such as Metamucil simply use psyllium husk powder in their formulation, which is the same core ingredient found in generic and store-brand alternatives. Therefore, when you ask, "What is the generic brand of psyllium?", you are essentially asking for products that list psyllium husk or psyllium fiber as their active ingredient.

How Psyllium Works in the Body

Psyllium works as a bulk-forming laxative by absorbing water in your digestive system. It swells to form a gel-like substance that adds bulk to your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This mechanism is effective for relieving occasional constipation, but psyllium has a range of other potential benefits as well. The added bulk can help regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive health. The soluble fiber in psyllium can also trap certain bile acids, which may help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, this gelling property can lead to a feeling of fullness, which might aid in appetite control.

Generic vs. Brand-Name Psyllium: What's the Difference?

For many consumers, the choice between a brand-name and a generic product comes down to price and personal preference. The primary difference between a brand like Metamucil and a generic psyllium product often lies in the additional ingredients, such as flavors, colors, and sweeteners, as well as the price. A generic version will contain the same active ingredient, psyllium husk, but without the added branding and marketing costs associated with national names. It's important to read the labels of any product to ensure it contains 100% psyllium fiber and to check for any additives you may want to avoid, such as artificial sweeteners or dyes.

Comparing Popular Psyllium Products

Below is a comparison of popular brand-name and generic psyllium options to help you decide which might be the best fit for your needs and budget.


Feature	Brand-Name (e.g., Metamucil)	Generic (e.g., Store Brands)
Active Ingredient	Psyllium Husk	Psyllium Husk
Cost	Typically higher	Typically lower
Flavor Options	Wider variety of flavors and formulations	Fewer flavor options, often unflavored
Sweeteners	May use sugar, aspartame, or other sweeteners	Ingredient list varies; read labels carefully
Availability	Widely available in pharmacies and grocery stores	Widely available, often near name-brand products
Formulations	Powders, capsules, wafers, and gummies	Most commonly powders and capsules

The Takeaway for Consumers

When shopping for psyllium, the key is to look at the 'Drug Facts' panel or ingredient list on the packaging. If the active ingredient is listed as psyllium husk, psyllium fiber, or psyllium seed, then the product contains the same core ingredient as its more expensive brand-name counterparts. The most significant consideration after verifying the active ingredient is whether you prefer a flavored or unflavored version and how much you are willing to pay for additional ingredients and branding. By opting for a generic or store-brand version, consumers can achieve the same digestive health benefits at a lower cost.

It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications. For further authoritative reading on psyllium, its uses, and potential interactions, the MedlinePlus drug information page is an excellent resource, detailing common brand names, dosage forms, and important safety information. Psyllium: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Conclusion: Psyllium is a Smart Generic Choice

The bottom line is that the generic brand of psyllium is simply psyllium itself. Major brands like Metamucil have popularized the product, but the core active ingredient remains the same in countless store-brand and other generic options. Shoppers who prioritize cost-effectiveness can confidently choose generic versions by checking the label for the active ingredient, psyllium husk. With consistent hydration, these alternatives offer the same benefits for digestive health and regularity as their pricier counterparts, proving that a higher price doesn't always equate to a superior product. This empowers consumers to make a pragmatic choice that supports both their health and their wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, psyllium is the active ingredient found in Metamucil. Metamucil is a brand name, while psyllium is the generic name for the fiber that provides the supplement's effects.

Yes, you can often save money by purchasing a generic store-brand version of psyllium. These products contain the same active ingredient and offer the same digestive benefits, but at a lower price.

When purchasing a generic product, always check the label to ensure 'psyllium husk' or 'psyllium fiber' is listed as the active ingredient. Also, check the inactive ingredients for any unwanted additives.

The quality of the active ingredient, psyllium, is generally comparable. Any differences typically involve inactive ingredients, such as flavorings, sweeteners, and texturizers. Both offer the same core bulk-forming benefits.

Besides store brands, other common brands that use psyllium include Konsyl, Reguloid, and Fiberall. These also serve as generic alternatives to Metamucil.

Yes, the digestive benefits come from the psyllium fiber itself. Unflavored versions are just as effective and are often preferred by people who want to avoid added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Psyllium husk is the outer layer of the psyllium seed. Most commercially available psyllium fiber supplements are made from the husk, which contains a higher concentration of soluble fiber.