Most new supplement brands do not need thousands of units on day one. At NuCoreBio, the minimum order for gummies, capsules, powders and tablets is 500 bottles per product. That is enough to test a product, collect customer feedback and reorder, without tying up your budget in inventory.
The minimum is not one number for every product. It depends on the format, the packaging and the ingredients. This page lists the minimums we work with, explains what raises them, and shows how to start small.
MOQ by format
| Format | Typical MOQ | What sets the limit |
|---|---|---|
| Gummies | 500 bottles | Minimum cooking batch of 90 kg |
| Capsules | 500 bottles | Blending and encapsulation run |
| Powders | 500 bottles | Blending and filling run |
| Tablets | 500 bottles | Pressing and packing run |
| Softgels | 5,000 bottles | Softgel line setup |
| Stick packs | 3,000 boxes | Minimum print run of custom stick film |
| Custom printed resealable pouches | 1,000 bags | Minimum print run of custom pouches |
| Live probiotic capsules | 100,000 capsules | Cleanroom changeover before and after the run |
| Branded raw materials | 5,000 to 10,000 bottles per product | Ingredient supplier minimums of 25 to 50 kg |
For capsules and softgels we count 60 per bottle, so a 500-bottle capsule order is a pilot run of about 30,000 capsules. These are starting points. The exact minimum for your project is confirmed in the quotation.
What sets each minimum
- Production batch. A gummy line cooks in batches, and the smallest practical batch is 90 kg. Capsule, powder and tablet runs are set by blending, filling or pressing.
- Packaging print runs. Custom stick film and printed pouches are printed in minimum runs, so they can decide the MOQ even when the product itself could run smaller.
- Ingredient supplier minimums. Branded ingredients are sold in lots of 25 to 50 kg, which usually means 5,000 to 10,000 bottles per product.
- Live strains. Probiotic capsules need a cleanroom changeover before and after each run, so the run has to be large to be practical.
How to keep your first order small
- Choose a standard format. Gummies, capsules, powders and tablets all start at 500 bottles.
- Use standard packaging for the first run. Move to custom printed packs once the product sells.
- Avoid branded raw materials at the start, unless they are the reason customers buy.
- Leave live probiotics for your second product.
- Ask for the MOQ in writing, with the reason for each limit.
A real 500-bottle order
Genepro Biotech ordered 500 bottles of private label creatine monohydrate powder, 300 g each, FOB Guangzhou. The client gave written consent to be named.
| Date (2026) | Step |
|---|---|
| July 11 | First inquiry |
| July 18 | Contract signed |
| July 29 | Production completed |
| August 28 | Delivered |
From the first message to the warehouse took 48 days. Read our guide to launch timelines by format.
Samples, timeline and formula ownership
- Samples: ready-stock samples are free. Custom-made samples cost $30.
- Production: usually around 15 days.
- Formula: the formula belongs to you.
- Shipping: EXW from our factory in Guangzhou or Haikou (depending on the dosage form), FOB, or DDP to your address.
What to prepare for an accurate quote
A quote is faster and more accurate when you share a short brief:
- Product format: gummies, capsules, powder, tablets, bottles, jars or pouches.
- Formula direction: the ingredient list or a benchmark product, flavor direction and anything to avoid.
- Packaging: bottle or jar size, label style, carton, and Amazon FBA requirements if relevant.
- Target market: the country and sales channel, so we can plan labels and documents.
- Commercial target: first order size, target cost range, sample needs and launch date.
Low MOQ does not mean low standards. Our group holds NSF/ANSI 455-2 GMP, FSSC 22000 and Halal certificates, and a small first order still gets the same formulation review, quality control and documentation planning as a large one.
Low MOQ questions
What is your minimum order quantity?
500 bottles per product for gummies, capsules, powders and tablets. Softgels start at 5,000 bottles, stick packs at 3,000 boxes, custom printed pouches at 1,000 bags, and live probiotic capsules at 100,000 capsules.
Can I use my own label on a small order?
Yes. Your own label is standard for private label orders. Custom stick film and printed pouches have their own printing minimums, shown in the table above.
Can I start with a semi-custom formula?
Yes. A semi-custom or ready-to-customize formula is a practical way to launch faster, with lower risk and a clearer cost structure than a fully custom formula.
Why is the MOQ higher for some products?
Because of the batch size, the packaging print run or the ingredient supplier's minimum, not because of a price tactic. We tell you which limit applies and why.
Start your low MOQ project
Send your format, formula idea and target market. We will confirm the minimum and the timeline for your project.
Request a low MOQ quote or claim your free formula kit.
Related pages and guides
- Private label gummies manufacturer
- Capsule supplement OEM
- Powder supplement manufacturer
- Tablet supplement manufacturer
- Low MOQ supplement manufacturing: a practical launch guide
- The 500-bottle quote trap: 9 costs a low-MOQ price may not include
- Before your first order: a low-MOQ launch plan for Amazon, TikTok Shop and Shopify
MOQs are general guidance for common projects and are confirmed in each quotation.