In the dietary supplement industry, capsules and tablets represent the largest share of the supplement market, accounting for about 40–50 percent of total combined sales. Gummies hold the next top position, while powders dominate in the sports/functional supplement market. While all of these are viable, time-tested dosage forms for dietary supplements, they are not the only dosage forms. In this article, we’ll examine some alternatives, including cacao-based minibars, effervescent tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, soft chews and oral strips.
Why Alternative Dosage Forms?
Since the conventional dosage forms work perfectly well, why even consider other alternative dosage forms? There are a few answers including pill fatigue, difficulty swallowing pills and generational differences. Pill fatigue is characterized by non-adherence to taking pills (tablets and capsules) due to a high volume, frequency or size of the pills, and effects up to 40 percent of the population.1
Regarding difficulty swallowing pills, one study,2 32 percent of healthy adults from two academic institutions in Australia reported difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules whole. In another study,3 more than 55 percent of people from all age groups and genders in the United States and Germany experienced swallowing difficulties when taking tablets or capsules.
A 2024 Council for Responsible Nutrition survey4 found “delivery form preferences” segmented by age and demographics. While older consumers skew toward tablets and capsules, there was a growing interest in alternative dosage forms among Millennials and Gen Z. Likewise, other sources5 also indicate that preferences for alternative dosage forms in supplements are strong among the Millennials.
Cacao-based Minibars
The idea of consuming your nutraceuticals by eating chocolate has great appeal. At the same time, nobody wants the extra sugar that is typically part of chocolate confectionaries. Likewise, many people are sensitive to dairy that is also typically found in milk chocolate and even many dark chocolate confectionaries. The good news is there is at least one contract manufacturer with a very interesting solution. Chococeutical Innovations in Florida offers FoodBIOME cacao-based minibars made with healthy sugar alternatives like tagatose and allulose, both of which have prebiotic properties,6,7 are low on the glycemic index, and free of common allergens including dairy. Even more interesting is that, in addition to one of these sweeteners, the FoodBIOME matrix includes pomegranate pomace, mango butter, cocoa liquor and cocoa butter. The intent is to create a composition that begins functioning during oral exposure and continues after swallowing, supporting microbiome-related benefits while also serving as a delivery platform for nutraceutical ingredients.
In-vitro work has shown microbiome-supportive properties associated with this matrix, including compatibility with beneficial probiotic strains, such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Beyond the in-vitro work, early human pilot studies have been conducted on both the oral and gut microbiomes, reflecting FoodBIOME’s sequential oral-gut design. In the gut microbiome pilot, consumption of FoodBIOME cacao-based mini bars was associated with increases in specific desirable bacterial species, including Akkermansia muciniphila and Parabacteroides distasonis, and decreases in undesirable bacteria, such as Clostridium bolteae and Morganella morganii, as well as reductions in certain fungal species, including Candida albicans and Trichosporon asahii.8 Complementary oral microbiome pilot work has also been undertaken as part of the platform’s broader functional food approach.
This unique dosage form can include a variety of different nutraceutical options and, of course, tastes delicious. Each FoodBIOME chocolate-flavored minibar is individually wrapped and typically packaged in gusset bags. Guy Lopez, the CEO of Chococeutical Innovations says, “I’ve always believed the future of nutraceuticals would go beyond capsules, tablets, and gummies. FoodBIOME reflects that vision as a patent-pending Food-as-Medicine platform designed to begin in the mouth and continue through the gut.”
The global dietary chocolate supplement market size stood at $2.5 billion in 2024 and is forecast to achieve $ 4.5 billion by 2033 at a 7.5 percent CAGR.9
Effervescent Tablets
Effervescent tablets are generally round tablets that are larger than conventional tablets. They typically contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate as an “effervescing” ingredient. After being placed in a glass of water, the bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide giving the effervescent supplement its characteristic fizzing effect and promoting their disintegration. An advantage to effervescent tablets is that they can contain substantial amounts of active ingredients due to their drinkable form. The key differences between effervescent tablets and regular tablets or capsules are that the nutraceuticals provided in effervescents are consumed in a final liquid form, whereas regular tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole as a solid dosage delivery form. In this form they have a non-gritty texture and may even offer improved nutrient absorption and bioavailability.
For example, one study10 found that effervescent and fast-melting Q10 were more rapidly absorbed than soft gel and powder-filled hard-shell capsules. Another study11 reported an effervescent form of calcium resulted in significant increases in serum calcium, a reflection of effective calcium absorption via effervescence.
According to Gregory Drew, vice president of innovation at Vitaquest International, “QFIZZ is a game-changing effervescent technology enabling custom sensory and wellness experiences in chewable tablets, beverage tablets and dry powder mixes. QFIZZ can transform a standard nutritional drink mix or beverage tablet into a premium sparkling beverage or add a tingling sensation to chewable tablets. With QFIZZ Vitaquest delivers custom innovative consumer experiences with actives, flavor, color, sound and mouthfeel.”
The global effervescent tablet market size was estimated at $10.25 billion in 2025 and project to grow to $17.88 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.2 percent.12 While these numbers include all effervescent tablets, not just dietary supplements, it still is a meaningful reflection of the interest in this alternative dosage form.
Orally Disintegrating Tablets
Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), also referred to as fast-melts or quick-dissolve tablets, are formulated to dissolve or disintegrate in your mouth prior to swallowing, generally with a time frame of less than one minute. This rapid dissolution may, in some cases, promote bioavailability. This was seen in a ODT vitamin B12 study in which vitamin B12 had good bioavailability, raising serum levels by as much as four-fold.13 Good results were also seen with an ODT melatonin.14
It is important to keep in mind that since ODTs dissolve in the mouth, the user will taste the content of the tablet. That means that nutraceuticals that are bitter or otherwise have undesirable tastes don’t tend to be good choices for this delivery form. Also, since ODTs tend to be smaller size tablets a nutraceutical requiring a large dose also aren’t the best choice for this dosage form.
The global ODT market size was estimated at $13.42 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $31.80 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 8.15 percent.15 As with the previous dosage form, these numbers reflect all ODTs, not just supplements—but they are inclusive of supplements.
Soft Chews
Soft chews are small, pliable, taffy-like and highly palatable, treat-like products used to deliver nutraceuticals (think Starburst-type candies). Thanks to their formulation and texture, soft chews can carry higher dosages of active ingredients than gummies. Furthermore, soft chews provide flexibility for plant based formulations, enabling brands to develop vegan friendly products without sacrificing taste, texture or performance.
As a dietary supplement dosage form, soft chews can deliver clean-label, plant-based nutrition solutions. Produced through molding or extrusion, they are often individually wrapped to retain moisture and ensure flavor stability until the expiration date.
Taste plays a critical role in supplement compliance. Even the most effective product can struggle if consumers don’t enjoy taking it. With their smooth texture and ability to incorporate indulgent or innovative flavor profiles, soft chews transform supplementation into something consumers genuinely enjoy. According to Nina Hughes, director of marketing at the soft chew (and other confectionaries) manufacturer Food Pharma, “From flavors like Orange Creamsicle, Chocolate, Lemon Cake and Salted Caramel to sophisticated fruit blends and botanical profiles, soft chews create opportunities for brands to stand out through flavor innovation combined with a novel, convenient format.”
Market research collected by SPINS shows that the sales of soft chews were up 41 percent for the 52 weeks leading up to December 24, 2024, growing from 73.3 million to 103.4 million.16
Oral Strips
Oral strips (or oral thin films) are small, thin, flexible, postage-stamp-sized (more or less) films that dissolve instantly on the tongue. In some cases, they can deliver nutraceuticals directly into the bloodstream without water. They are a fast-acting, portable alternative to pills and capsules, often bypassing digestion for quicker—although not necessarily better—absorption.17 Published human research18 has demonstrated the effectiveness of this dosage from in delivering phytomelatonin from a tomato fruit extract (Somato), resulting in subjects falling asleep 33 percent faster.
Oral strips are a novel and effective dosage form for dietary supplements, but the active ingredient (i.e., nutraceutical) load is limited to about 100 mg.
Nutrastrips, a contract manufacturer in Utah utilizes FlashRelease technology for their oral strips. Ben Bartel, CEO and founder of Nutrastrips, said “I am excited to see the growth of oral strips in the nutraceutical market. Nutrastrips has grown 1,200 percent over the last three years, and we don’t see any slowdown. People really enjoy taking their supplements in an oral strip.”
The global oral strip supplement market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to hit $4.8 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 16.7 percent.19
Conclusion
While tablets, capsules and gummies are still the top dosage forms for dietary supplements, the growth of alternative dosage forms including cacao-based minibars, effervescent tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, soft chews and oral strips is nevertheless impressive. Furthermore, these alternative dosage forms are certainly worth considering for inclusion in your product line to stay current with needs of various consumer populations.VR
References
1 Philipp J. Nutraceuticals: Why Consumer Demand for the Softgel Sector is Growing and How Form and Formulation are Driving Innovation to Combat Pill Fatigue. Tablets&Capsules. February.
2 Radhakrishnan C, Sefidani Forough A, Cichero JAY, Smyth HE, Raidhan A, Nissen LM, Steadman KJ. A Difficult Pill to Swallow: An Investigation of the Factors Associated with Medication Swallowing Difficulties. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2021 Jan 11;15:29-40. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S277238. PMID: 33469272; PMCID: PMC7810703.
3 Pharmaceutical Technology Editors. Survey Reveals Widespread Prevalence of Difficulties in Swallowing Tablets. Pharmatech. September 3, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2026 from www.pharmtech.com/view/survey-reveals-widespread-prevalence-difficulties-swallowing-tablets.
4 CRN Survey Shows Consistent Supplement Usage with Increase of Specialty Product Use Over Time. October 29, 2024. CRN. Retrieved March 24, 2026 from https://crnusa.org/newsroom/crn-survey-shows-consistent-supplement-usage-increase-specialty-product-use-over-time.
5 Molyneaux M. Millennials drive growth in non-pill supplement forms. Natural Products Insider. May 9, 2019. Retrieved January 27, 2024 from www.naturalproductsinsider.com/supplements/millennials-drive-growth-in-non-pill-supplement-forms.
6 Venema K, Vermunt SHF, Brink EJ. D-Tagatose increases butyrate production by the colonic microbiota in healthy men and women. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2005; 17(1): 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/08910600510035093.
7 Ortiz AC, Fideles SOM, Reis CHB, et al. D-Tagatose: A Rare Sugar with Functional Properties and Antimicrobial Potential against Oral Species. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 19;16(12):1943. doi: 10.3390/nu16121943.
8 Bruno G, Almeida D. FoodBIOME® Matrix on Beneficial and Pathogenic Gut Bacteria and Fungi: A Pilot Study. Unpublished 2026.
9 Global Dietary Chocolate Products Market Size, Share, Industry Trends & Forecast 2026-2034. Verified Market Reports. Retrieved March 25, 2026 from www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/dietary-chocolate-products-market/.
10 Joshi SS, Sawant SV, Shedge A, Halpner AD. Comparative bioavailability of two novel coenzyme Q10 preparations in humans. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003;41(1):42-8.
11 Sadideen H, Swaminathan R. Effect of acute oral calcium load on serum PTH and bone resorption in young healthy subjects: an overnight study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2004;58(12):1661-5.
12 Effervescent Tablet Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Products (Medication, Supplements), By Methods (Dry Methods, Wet Granulation), By Type (Prescription, Over the Counter), By Indication (Diuretics, Pain Management, Gastric Disorders, Respiratory Diseases, Others), By Population Type (Children, Adults), By Application (Dental Products, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceutical, Others), By End User (Hospitals, Homecare, Specialty Clinics, Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail Pharmacies, Drug Store, E-Commerce, Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, MLM ) and By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033. Straits Research. Retrieved March 24, 2026 from https://straitsresearch.com/report/effervescent-tablet-market.
13 Delpre G. Sublingual therapy for cobalamin deficiency as an alternative to oral and parenteral cobalamin Supplementation. Lancet. 1999;354:740-750.
14 SaberMoghaddam M, Sheybani S, Bakhtiari E, Shakiba M. The Effect of Preoperative Sublingual Melatonin on Postoperative Pain Severity in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2022 Aug 10;36:90.
15 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Advances with Patient-Centric Drug Delivery Innovations. Precedence Research. Retrieved March 24, 2026 from www.precedenceresearch.com/orally-disintegrating-tablet-market.
16 Masterson D. Are soft chews the next gummy? January 20, 2025. Retrieved March 25, 2026 from www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2025/01/20/are-soft-chews-the-next-gummy/.
17 Bala R, Pawar P, Khanna S, Arora S. Orally dissolving strips: A new approach to oral drug delivery system. Int J Pharm Investig. 2013 Apr;3(2):67-76. doi: 10.4103/2230-973X.114897. PMID: 24015378; PMCID: PMC3757902.
18 De Jesus M, Bergquist K, Bruno G. Effects of Somato® TOMATO Fruit Extract on Key Physiological and Psychological Domains Associated with Sleep Quality, Autonomic Function, and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Pilot Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2026 Jan;32(1):20-24. PMID: 40985949.
19 Vitamin Oral Strip Market Research Report 2033. Market Intelo. Retrieved March 25, 2026 from https://marketintelo.com/report/vitamin-oral-strip-market.
Gene Bruno, DBM, MS, RH(AHG) Professor Emeritus of Nutraceutical Science, is a writer, educator and a nutraceutical scientist with more than 45 years of experience educating natural product retailers and health care professionals and formulating natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies. He has written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer magazines and peer-reviewed publications. Bruno also hosts “The Vitamin Professor Podcast” brought to you by VRM Media. He can be reached at [email protected].
