The UK supplement market is undergoing a significant transformation. Consumers are no longer satisfied with generic multivitamins or animal-based formulations. Instead, they are demanding vegan and plant-based supplements that align with their ethical values, health goals, and sustainability concerns.
For supplement brands, adapting to this trend is not optional—it is a strategic necessity. In 2025, vegan supplements in the UK are among the fastest-growing categories, with demand driven by millennials, Gen Z, and health-conscious consumers across all demographics.
In this article you will learn:
- Why vegan and plant-based supplementation is booming in the UK
- Key differences between “vegan” and “plant-based” products
- Certification requirements for vegan supplements
- The fastest-growing vegan categories in 2025
- A roadmap for brands adapting to this demand
- Common pitfalls to avoid
Why vegan and plant-based supplements are growing
Several factors are fuelling the rise of vegan supplementation in the UK:
- Ethical awareness: more consumers avoid animal-derived ingredients.
- Sustainability: plant-based production has a lower environmental impact.
- Health perceptions: vegan supplements are seen as cleaner and easier to digest.
- Market visibility: major retailers like Boots, Holland & Barrett, and Amazon UK highlight vegan-certified products.
- Legislation and certifications: clearer labelling helps consumers identify trustworthy vegan products.
Vegan vs plant-based: key distinctions
- Plant-based: primarily uses ingredients of plant origin, but does not guarantee the exclusion of all animal-derived substances.
- Vegan: strictly excludes animal products or by-products at every stage, including excipients, capsules, colourants, and processing aids.
For supplement brands, vegan certification provides credibility and reassurance to consumers who seek transparency.
Certification for vegan supplements in the UK
To position a product as truly vegan, third-party certification is strongly recommended. Recognised certifications include:
- Vegan Society Trademark (UK-based, highly trusted)
- V-Label (Europe)
- EVE Vegan® (France)
Certification ensures:
- No animal-derived ingredients in the product
- No cross-contamination during production
- Cleaning and processing compliant with vegan standards
Fastest-growing vegan supplement categories in 2025
- Vegan proteins: pea, hemp, pumpkin, and rice protein powders
- Algae omega-3: sustainable alternative to fish oil
- Vegan collagen boosters: plant-based amino acids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid
- Probiotics in vegan capsules: avoiding gelatin casings
- Vegan multivitamin gummies: made with pectin, not gelatin
- Botanical blends and adaptogens: ashwagandha, maca, reishi
These categories are consistently trending on Amazon UK and gaining shelf space in pharmacies.
Roadmap to adapt your brand to vegan demand
- Market research: analyse Amazon UK rankings, pharmacy trends, and consumer reviews.
- Choose your niche: beauty-from-within, sports, immunity, or general wellness.
- Select your format: vegan capsules, powders, sprays, or gummies.
- Source vegan-certified ingredients: ensure every excipient is plant-based.
- Work with a certified manufacturer: GMP, HACCP, and vegan certification support.
- Apply for certification: Vegan Society or V-Label to strengthen credibility.
- Design compliant labels: include mandatory warnings and highlight vegan certification.
- Position your brand: focus on ethical, sustainable, and clean-label messaging.
- Launch in multiple channels: Amazon UK, DTC websites, pharmacies, and health shops.
- Monitor trends: adapt product lines to upcoming plant-based innovations.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming “plant-based” when products still contain animal-derived ingredients (e.g., gelatin capsules).
- Skipping third-party certification—consumers expect proof.
- Ignoring cross-contamination risks in shared facilities.
- Using unauthorised health claims on packaging.
- Overlooking consumer taste and texture expectations in vegan gummies and powders.
FAQs
Are vegan supplements legally required to be certified?
No, but certification provides trust and credibility in the UK market.
What is the difference between vegan and plant-based supplements?
Vegan excludes all animal-derived substances, while plant-based may not guarantee this.
Which vegan supplements are trending in the UK?
Proteins, algae omega-3, collagen boosters, probiotics, and gummies.
Are vegan gummies possible without gelatin?
Yes, pectin is used as a plant-based gelling agent.
Can private label vegan supplements be launched in the UK?
Yes. Many manufacturers, including Techlabs Europe, offer private label vegan supplements with certification support.
Conclusion
The rise of vegan and plant-based supplementation in the UK reflects a long-term shift in consumer values. By adapting product lines, securing certification, and highlighting sustainability, brands can capture one of the most dynamic growth segments in the supplement industry.
For companies aiming to future-proof their product portfolios, the move toward vegan and plant-based supplements is no longer a trend—it is the new standard.