The supplements industry is constantly evolving, driven by innovation in formats and delivery systems. While capsules and tablets remain the most common, oral sprays are emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories in the UK and across Europe.
Consumers are increasingly aware that effectiveness is not only about the active ingredient, but also how the body absorbs it. Spray supplements are designed for faster absorption, convenience, and better compliance. For entrepreneurs and distributors, understanding this trend opens new opportunities in private label and premium supplement development.
Why supplement format matters
Supplements can only deliver health benefits if the body effectively absorbs their active ingredients. Traditional formats like tablets and capsules pass through the digestive system, where bioavailability can be reduced by stomach acid, slow dissolution, or poor solubility.
In contrast, oral sprays deliver nutrients directly through the oral mucosa, allowing them to enter the bloodstream quickly and bypass some digestive barriers. This difference explains why sprays are increasingly popular among consumers looking for both effectiveness and convenience.
Key benefits of spray supplements
1. Faster absorption and higher bioavailability
Oral sprays allow vitamins and minerals to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. Studies suggest that nutrients such as vitamin B12, D3, and iron have significantly higher bioavailability when delivered via sprays compared to tablets.
2. Convenience and ease of use
Sprays eliminate the need for water and are portable, making them ideal for travel, busy lifestyles, and children or elderly people who struggle to swallow pills.
3. Better compliance
One of the biggest challenges in supplementation is adherence. Sprays are easier to take daily, with pleasant flavours that encourage consistent use. For example, Techlabs Europe’s B12 vitamin spray with lemon and menthol flavour is sugar-free and consumer-friendly.
4. Suitable for sensitive digestion
Capsules and tablets can sometimes cause stomach discomfort or require digestion to release actives. Sprays bypass the stomach, reducing irritation and making them suitable for people with digestive issues.
5. Precision dosing
Spray supplements allow precise microdosing. Each pump provides a controlled amount of active ingredient, ensuring accurate daily intake.
6. Modern and innovative image
Sprays differentiate brands from traditional competitors. They are perceived as premium, science-driven, and aligned with the clean label trend.
When sprays are most effective
- Vitamin B12: Crucial for energy and neurological function, better absorbed via sprays.
- Vitamin D3 + K2: Fat-soluble vitamins with enhanced absorption in oral spray form.
- Iron: Techlabs Europe’s iron spray with B6 and B12 is designed to avoid digestive discomfort.
- Magnesium and sleep aids: Quick absorption supports faster effect, ideal for evening routines.
- Children’s supplements: Oral sprays avoid choking risks and offer flavours kids accept more easily.
Advantages of capsules and tablets (when sprays are not ideal)
While sprays offer clear benefits, capsules and tablets still have their role:
- High-dose formulations: Easier to deliver larger amounts of active ingredients.
- Cost-effectiveness: Capsules are often cheaper to produce and distribute.
- Extended shelf life: Tablets are more stable for certain ingredients.
- Familiarity: Many consumers are used to capsules and prefer them for daily routines.
This makes it essential for brands to decide format based on both the active ingredient and the target consumer.
Market trends in spray supplements
The UK and European markets show increasing demand for sprays:
- Innovation-driven: Sprays are associated with cutting-edge nutrition.
- Clean label positioning: Most sprays avoid artificial additives and sugar, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Premium pricing: Brands can justify higher margins due to advanced delivery systems.
- Private label growth: Retailers are increasingly launching sprays under their own brands to differentiate from competitors.
Techlabs Europe already offers a broad range of sprays including magnesium, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D3 + K2, and sleep formulations.
Checklist: how to decide between spray vs capsules
- Define your target consumer: children, elderly, athletes, or busy professionals.
- Match the ingredient to the format: use sprays for vitamins and minerals requiring fast absorption.
- Consider cost and logistics: sprays are premium, while capsules are more cost-effective.
- Focus on flavour and compliance: sprays should have pleasant, sugar-free flavours.
- Highlight innovation in your marketing: sprays stand out in a crowded supplement market.
- Partner with certified manufacturers to ensure stability and compliance (/services, /portfolio).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Launching sprays with actives better suited for capsules (e.g., very high-dose minerals).
- Ignoring flavour and consumer experience—poor taste kills compliance.
- Overpricing without highlighting the scientific benefits.
- Failing to educate consumers about absorption advantages.
- Using packaging that does not ensure stability and protection.
FAQs
Are spray supplements more effective than capsules?
Yes, for certain nutrients like B12, D3, and iron, sprays often provide better absorption and faster results.
Are sprays safe for children?
Yes, sprays are often preferred for children due to easy dosing and pleasant flavours.
Do sprays cost more than capsules?
They are usually positioned as premium products, but consumers are willing to pay more for effectiveness and convenience.
Can all supplements be made into sprays?
Not all—ingredients requiring high dosages or with stability issues are better suited to capsules or powders.
Is there a growing market for spray supplements in the UK?
Yes, demand is increasing, especially for clean label, vegan, and functional sprays.
Conclusion
Spray supplements are redefining how consumers take vitamins and minerals in 2025. Their benefits in absorption, convenience, and compliance make them an attractive alternative to capsules and tablets, particularly for nutrients like B12, D3, iron, and magnesium.
For brands, sprays offer not only an effective delivery system but also a premium, innovative positioning in the competitive supplements market. With growing consumer demand in the UK and Europe, this is the right time to explore spray formulations as part of a private label strategy.
👉 Explore Techlabs Europe’s portfolio of oral sprays or contact us to develop your own spray supplement line.