Empty capsules
Filling your own capsules is the most practical way to take herbs, extracts, and powders. You decide what goes in, the dosage, and the capsule size. At Dutch-Smart, you’ll find gelatin and vegetarian capsules in sizes 0, 00, 000, and 1, plus matching capsule filling machines for batches of 24 or 50 capsules. Suitable for kratom, kanna, and other herbs and extracts from our product range.
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Making Your Own Capsules: Capsule Sizes and Machines
Empty capsules come in four standard sizes. Size 1 is the smallest, suitable for light doses or strong extracts where you need only a small amount of powder. Size 0 is the most commonly used size, suitable for average doses of 300 to 500 mg of powder. Size 00 holds slightly more, around 600 to 800 mg. Size 000 is the largest and holds the most powder per capsule. Which size you need depends on the herb and the dose you want to take. With kratom, which is taken in doses of 2 to 5 grams, size 00 or 000 will serve you better than size 1.
The capsule filling machines at Dutch-Smart come in the same sizes: 1, 0, 00, and 000. A machine for 24 capsules is compact and convenient for occasional use. The version for 50 capsules per batch is more efficient if you regularly produce larger quantities. Each machine operates on the same principle: capsules are placed in the frame, filled with powder using the included card, tamped down, and then sealed by pressing the top down.
The machines are manufactured by Capsule Connection, founded in 1973 by Howard Mechanic in Prescott, Arizona. The original design dates back to 1981 and was developed as an affordable home solution for filling capsules. Capsule Connection manufactures exclusively in the U.S. The plastic (ABS and Delrin Acetal) is BPA-free and FDA-approved for food contact.
Gelatin or vegetarian capsules
Gelatin capsules are made from animal collagen and are the most common type. They dissolve quickly in the stomach. Vegetarian HPMC capsules (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) are suitable for people who do not wish to use animal products. They dissolve slightly more slowly but are functionally equivalent. The Pullulan VHK capsules are also Halal and Kosher certified. All variants are available in packs of 100. For larger quantities (1000+), you can request a quote through customer service.
Herbs that are easy to encapsulate
Most finely ground dry herbs and powders are suitable for encapsulation. Kratom is a popular choice: the powder has a distinct taste that many people prefer to avoid. Capsules make ingestion easier and dosing more precise. The same applies to kanna and other finely ground herbal powders. Liquid extracts and resins are not suitable for direct encapsulation without a carrier. Always check the consistency of the powder before you begin: material that is ground too coarsely will fill the capsules unevenly.
A precision scale is essential for accurate dosing per capsule. Weigh the total batch of powder before you start and divide by the number of capsules to calculate the average dose. For daily use with herbal powders, a scale with 0.005 g precision is sufficient. For extracts and microdoses where you’re working in hundredths of a gram, 0.001 g accuracy is recommended. View the full range of precision scales.
Benchtop model, 0.005 g precision. Compact and stable. Suitable for herbal powders and extracts.
Milligram precision up to 0.001 g. 6 weighing units, USB power supply. For extracts and microdosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What capsule size do I need for kratom?
For kratom, sizes 00 or 000 are the most practical. Size 00 holds approximately 600 to 800 mg of powder per capsule. With a typical starting dose of 2 grams, you’ll need three to four capsules. Size 000 holds more, so you’ll take fewer capsules per dose. Sizes 0 and 1 are suitable for microdoses or stronger extracts.
What is the difference between gelatin and vegetarian capsules?
Gelatin capsules are made from animal collagen and dissolve quickly in the stomach. Vegetarian HPMC capsules contain no animal ingredients and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They dissolve slightly slower but are equivalent for most applications. The Pullulan VHK capsules are also Halal and Kosher certified.
Do all empty capsules fit in every capsule filling machine?
No. Capsules and machines must be the same size. A size 0 capsule only fits in a size 0 machine. When purchasing, always check that the capsule size matches the machine you already have or plan to buy. The sizes are clearly listed with each product.
Can I also order larger quantities of capsules?
Yes. Capsules are sold in standard packs of 100. For orders of 1,000 or more, you can request a quote through customer service. Bulk orders are always cheaper than the regular unit price.
