Let's be honest.
Nobody gets excited about swallowing a capsule.
They're not chewy.
They're not fruity.
They're not something you'd mistake for candy.
Sometimes they're simply a little awkward to swallow.
If you've ever looked at a supplement and thought, "Do I really have to take this?", you're definitely not alone.
So why do so many supplements—including Locohol—still come in capsule form?
The answer isn't because capsules are perfect.
It's because every supplement format comes with trade-offs.
Capsules Aren't Perfect
Let's start with the obvious.
They're harder to swallow
Some people simply don't enjoy swallowing capsules.
If you're not used to taking supplements, larger capsules can feel intimidating.
That's one reason gummy supplements have become so popular in recent years.
They're not exactly exciting
Capsules don't come in raspberry flavour.
They don't taste like peach rings.
And that's intentional.
They're designed to deliver ingredients—not to become part of the snacking experience.
You usually need water
Taking a capsule generally means reaching for a glass of water.
Compared to chewing a gummy, it's slightly less convenient when you're rushing out for dinner or drinks.
Why Gummies Became So Popular
There's a reason gummies have exploded in popularity.
They're colourful.
They're enjoyable.
They're easy to chew.
And for people who dislike swallowing capsules, they're genuinely more approachable.
That's not a bad thing.
In fact, for many people, gummies make taking supplements more consistent.
But they also come with compromises that aren't always obvious.
The Hidden Trade-off Most People Don't Think About
To become soft, chewy and fruity, gummies typically require more than just the active ingredients.
Depending on the formulation, they may also contain ingredients such as:
- Sweeteners
- Flavourings
- Colourings
- Gelling agents (such as pectin or gelatin)
- Food acids
- Coating agents
These ingredients aren't inherently harmful.
They're simply what helps transform a supplement into something enjoyable to chew. Healthcare professionals interviewed by CNA Lifestyle note that these additional ingredients are often necessary to achieve the texture, taste and stability consumers expect from gummies. They also point out that many gummies contain added sugars unless they're specifically formulated to be sugar-free.¹
Why Simplicity Matters
One of the biggest advantages of capsules is that they don't have to taste like candy.
That means they can often be formulated with fewer non-active ingredients.
Instead of dedicating space to flavour, texture and sweetness, more of the formulation can focus on the ingredients you actually bought the supplement for.
Healthcare professionals interviewed by CNA Lifestyle also explain that, because gummies need ingredients to create their texture and flavour, the active nutrients may make up a smaller proportion of the overall product compared with simpler delivery formats.¹
For us, that's an important consideration.
We'd rather focus on delivering active ingredients than on creating something that tastes like confectionery.
What About Tablets?
Tablets are another common delivery format.
They're compact, cost-effective to manufacture and generally have excellent shelf stability.
However, tablets are made by compressing powdered ingredients together, which usually requires binders and other excipients to help them hold their shape.
Some people also find compressed tablets harder to swallow than smooth capsules.
Like gummies, they're an excellent choice for certain formulations—but not necessarily every formulation.
And Powders?
Powders are fantastic when larger serving sizes are needed.
They're ideal for protein, electrolytes and greens.
The downside?
They usually require mixing, measuring and preparation.
That's perfect after the gym.
Less ideal when you're heading out for cocktails.
Why Doesn't Locohol Just Make Gummies?
It's a fair question.
And the answer isn't because we think gummies are "bad."
We actually understand why they're popular.
If your goal is to create a supplement that's fun and easy to eat, gummies are a fantastic option.
But for the product we wanted to create, capsules simply made more sense.
They allowed us to prioritise the formulation over the flavour.
Instead of spending ingredient space on sweetness and texture, we'd rather dedicate it to ingredients like:
- DHM
- S-Acetyl Glutathione
- Turmeric Extract
- Ginger Extract
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
If you're curious about why these ingredients are commonly included in pre-drinking supplements, read our guide to What to Take Before Drinking Alcohol.
There's No Perfect Supplement Format
Gummies are enjoyable.
Powders are versatile.
Tablets are durable.
Capsules are simple.
None is objectively "better."
Each has strengths.
Each has compromises.
The right format depends on the product you're trying to make.
For Locohol, capsules offered the best balance between portability, ingredient density and formulation simplicity.
Final Thoughts
We know capsules aren't perfect.
Some people will always prefer gummies.
Others might rather mix a powder into water.
That's completely okay.
But when we developed Locohol, we chose the format that allowed us to focus on what matters most:
The ingredients inside.
Because we'd rather spend our ingredient budget on active ingredients than on making our supplement taste like sweets.
Before You Head Out
Planning a night of drinks?
You might also enjoy:
- What to Take Before Drinking Alcohol — Learn how to prepare before your first drink.
- Best Alcohol Choices If You Don't Want a Bad Hangover — Some drinks are easier on your body than others.
- How to Prevent Hangovers After Wine — Why wine can hit differently, and how to minimise the next-day effects.
- Do Hangover Pills Actually Work? — A closer look at what the science says.
- Why Alcohol Affects Sleep — Understand why a few drinks can leave you waking up exhausted.
Whether you prefer wine, cocktails or whisky, the goal isn't to stop enjoying nights out.
It's to recover smarter—so you're ready for the next one.
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