What type of gelatin is in Nature Made from vitamins?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2022 survey confirmed that many Nature Made vitamin products, particularly softgels and gummies, contain gelatin. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what type of gelatin is in Nature Made from vitamins, detailing its origin and helping consumers make informed decisions based on their dietary needs or restrictions.

Quick Summary

Nature Made primarily uses porcine (pork) gelatin for many of its softgels and gummies, which is important for those with dietary or religious restrictions to know. Learn how to verify the specific gelatin type by checking product labels and explore the availability of alternative vitamin formulations.

Key Points

Porcine Origin: Nature Made primarily utilizes porcine (pork) gelatin in its softgel and gummy vitamin products.
Check the Label: Consumers must read the ingredient list for each specific Nature Made product, as formulations vary and the presence of gelatin is explicitly listed.
Not Vegetarian-Friendly: Because it is sourced from pork, the gelatin used by Nature Made means these products are not suitable for vegetarian, Halal, or Kosher diets.
Gelatin-Free Alternatives: Nature Made does offer gelatin-free options, most commonly in tablet form, which use plant-based alternatives like cellulose gel instead.
Source Impacts Texture: The porcine gelatin, or Type A, is known to produce a softer gel texture, which is a characteristic of many gummy products.
Plant-Based Options: Many other brands and products use plant-derived substitutes like pectin or agar-agar as gelatin alternatives for dietary inclusivity.

The Gelatin Source in Nature Made Vitamins

For consumers with specific dietary preferences or restrictions, the origin of ingredients like gelatin is a critical factor. Nature Made, a well-known supplement brand, has addressed this query directly, confirming that the gelatin used in many of its softgels and gummies is derived from a porcine (pork) source. The company clarifies that the gelatin used in these specific product formats is bovine (beef) free but, importantly, contains pork derivatives. This information is crucial for those adhering to Kosher or Halal dietary laws, or for individuals following a vegetarian diet.

Decoding the Ingredient Label

Identifying the presence of animal-derived gelatin in Nature Made products requires a careful reading of the ingredient label. The company notes that if a product contains gelatin, it will be listed explicitly on the label. For gummies and softgels, gelatin is a common ingredient that provides structure and texture. However, some Nature Made products, particularly tablets, may not contain gelatin. For example, some Vitamin D3 tablet formulations use cellulose gel instead of animal gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians. Consumers should always check the ingredients list for the specific bottle they purchase, as formulations can vary even within the same product line.

Porcine vs. Bovine Gelatin: A Detailed Comparison

Gelatin is classified into two main types based on the raw material and the manufacturing process. The different sources and treatments result in variations in the final product's properties, which are often utilized for specific applications.

Type A (Porcine) Gelatin

Porcine gelatin is derived from the acid-treated collagen of pig skin. It is known for its relatively lower gel strength, or 'Bloom' value, compared to bovine gelatin, which can result in a softer, more pliable texture in products like gummy candies. The gelatin used in Nature Made's gummies is a prime example of this type, providing the desired chewy consistency.

Type B (Bovine) Gelatin

Derived from alkali-treated collagen, often sourced from bovine hides or bones, Type B gelatin generally has a higher Bloom value. This provides a firmer, stiffer gel, making it ideal for thicker products or applications where greater stability is needed. While Nature Made explicitly states its gelatin is bovine-free, understanding the properties of both types helps illustrate why manufacturers choose specific sources.

Navigating Dietary Needs: Gelatin-Free and Vegan Alternatives

For those who need to avoid animal-derived gelatin, Nature Made offers certain options, and the market provides many alternatives.

Gelatin-Free Options from Nature Made

Tablets: Many Nature Made products, such as certain multivitamin tablets, are formulated without gelatin. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients like cellulose gel.
Checking for 'Vegetarian': Some Nature Made products may be clearly marked as vegetarian or vegan, but given the company's general use of porcine gelatin, checking the label is the safest approach.

Non-Animal Gelatin Replacements

For those looking for supplements without any animal products, several plant-based gelling agents are used by other brands:

Agar-Agar: A seaweed-derived substance used as a gelling agent, similar to gelatin.
Pectin: A natural thickener found in fruits, commonly used in jams and fruit-based gummies.
Carrageenan: Another seaweed extract that functions as a thickener and stabilizer.
Cellulose Gel: A plant fiber-based compound used in some tablet formulations to hold ingredients together.

A Comprehensive Guide to Gelatin Sources

To better illustrate the differences, here is a table comparing common gelatin sources and their implications for different diets.


Feature	Porcine Gelatin (Type A)	Bovine Gelatin (Type B)	Plant-Based Alternatives	Application in Vitamins
Source	Primarily pig skin	Primarily beef hides/bones	Seaweed, fruits, plant fiber	Softgels, gummies, tablets
Dietary Compatibility	Not Halal/Kosher/Vegetarian	Not Halal/Kosher/Vegetarian	Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher	Varies by product
Production Process	Acid hydrolysis	Alkaline hydrolysis	Varies by source (e.g., extraction)	N/A
Gel Strength	Lower 'Bloom' value, softer texture	Higher 'Bloom' value, firmer texture	Varies widely	Affects texture
Flavor/Taste	Virtually tasteless after processing	Virtually tasteless after processing	Tasteless to neutral	N/A

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding what type of gelatin is in Nature Made from vitamins is the first step toward aligning your supplement regimen with your dietary needs. The brand's use of porcine gelatin in many of its popular products, such as gummies and softgels, is a key consideration for vegetarians and those following religious dietary laws. By carefully reading product labels and exploring the availability of gelatin-free alternatives, including some Nature Made tablets, consumers can ensure their vitamin choices are fully compatible with their lifestyle and health goals.

For more information on Nature Made ingredients and product offerings, it is recommended to visit the official Nature Made website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nature Made has stated that the gelatin in its products is primarily derived from a porcine (pork) source. They explicitly mention it is bovine (beef) free.

No. While softgels and gummies typically contain animal-derived gelatin, many Nature Made products, particularly tablets, are made without it and may use plant-based ingredients like cellulose gel.

You should check the ingredient list on the product label. Nature Made includes 'gelatin' in the list of ingredients for products that contain it.

No, Nature Made does not offer Halal-certified products, as confirmed by their ingredient sourcing. The porcine gelatin would also not be suitable for Kosher diets.

Yes, some of Nature Made's products are gelatin-free and suitable for vegetarians, especially certain tablets. Consumers should look for clear labeling or check the ingredients list.

The main difference lies in the source and processing method. Type A gelatin, typically porcine, uses acid treatment, while Type B, often bovine, uses an alkali process. These differences affect the final product's texture and gel strength.

For those seeking plant-based alternatives, supplements can use gelling agents such as pectin (from fruits), agar-agar (from seaweed), and cellulose gel (from plants).