Based on NIH | Does aspirin contain any beef-derived ingredients, such as bovine gelatin, that could affect someone who avoids beef products?

Aspirin and Beef-Derived Ingredients: What You Should Know

Most plain aspirin tablets (including many enteric‑coated and film‑coated tablets) do not list gelatin among their inactive ingredients, so they are generally free of beef‑derived gelatin. ^{[1] [2]} However, some aspirin-containing products especially softgels, “geltabs,” capsules, combination products, and certain specialized formulations do use gelatin in the shell or coating, and pharmaceutical gelatin is commonly sourced from animal collagen (often bovine or porcine). ^{[3] [4]} Because gelatin source (beef vs. pork) is not routinely specified on the label, anyone strictly avoiding beef should exercise caution with gelatin‑containing aspirin products. ^[5]

Where Gelatin Shows Up

• Capsules and softgels: Aspirin combinations in capsule or “geltab” formats often list gelatin as an inactive ingredient in the outer shell. ^{[3] [4]}
• Specialized combination products: An example is aspirin with extended‑release dipyridamole (a prescription antiplatelet capsule), which includes gelatin in the capsule components. ^{[6] [7]}
• Standard film‑coated tablets: Many stand‑alone aspirin tablets list coatings and excipients such as hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, stearic acid, and others, without gelatin. ^{[1] [2]}

Examples From Official Labels

• Plain/film‑coated aspirin tablets: Inactive ingredients include alginate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and triethyl citrate; gelatin is not listed. ^{[1] [2]}
• Adult low‑dose enteric‑coated aspirin (various labels): Listings may include film coat components (e.g., hypromellose, phthalates, plasticizers), again typically without gelatin. ^[8]
• “Geltabs” and soft‑coated combinations (e.g., acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine): Gelatin is included in the shell. ^{[4] [3]}
• Aspirin plus extended‑release dipyridamole capsules: Gelatin appears in the capsule excipients. ^{[6] [7]}

Why Source Matters

Gelatin in medicines is derived from animal collagen, most commonly bovine (beef) or porcine (pork), but labels rarely specify the exact source. ^[5] For people avoiding beef for dietary, allergy, religious, or personal reasons, the presence of unspecified gelatin can be a concern, and manufacturers may need to be contacted to confirm the source. ^[5]

Practical Guidance If You Avoid Beef

• Prefer plain aspirin tablets: Choose stand‑alone aspirin in standard or enteric‑coated tablet form that do not list gelatin among inactive ingredients. ^{[1] [2]}
• Avoid “geltabs,” softgels, and capsules unless source is confirmed: These formats frequently contain gelatin in the shell or coating. ^{[3] [4]}
• Check combination products: Multi‑ingredient headache formulations with aspirin often use gelatin shells; review the inactive ingredient list. ^{[4] [3]}
• Ask the manufacturer: If a product lists “gelatin,” call the company to verify whether it is bovine‑derived; labels typically do not disclose species. ^[5]

Key Takeaways

• Plain tablet aspirin products commonly do not contain gelatin and are more likely to be compatible with beef‑free needs. ^{[1] [2]}
• Several aspirin‑containing capsules, softgels/geltabs, and certain prescription combinations do contain gelatin, which may be animal‑derived, potentially including beef. ^{[4] [3] [6]}
• When in doubt, verify with the manufacturer because the animal source of gelatin is not consistently labeled. ^[5]