Based on NIH | Does aspirin contain any pork-derived ingredients like gelatin, and is it suitable for people who avoid pork due to allergy or religious reasons?

Aspirin and pork-derived ingredients: what to know Most plain aspirin tablets do not contain pork-derived ingredients such as gelatin, and many widely available formulations list only mineral- or plant-derived excipients (inactive ingredients). ^[1] For example, coated or film‑coated aspirin tablets commonly include materials like alginate, cellulose-based polymers (e.g., hypromellose or methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer), talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and colorants none of which are animal gelatin. ^{[1] [2]} Some branded regular aspirin tablets also list corn starch, powdered cellulose, hypromellose, triacetin, and carnauba wax, again without gelatin. ^[3]

That said, certain aspirin combination products or capsule dosage forms can include gelatin in the shell. ^[4] Extended‑release aspirin/dipyridamole capsules, for instance, explicitly list gelatin among inactive ingredients, reflecting a standard gelatin capsule shell. ^{[4] [5]} Because gelatin is commonly sourced from animal collagen (often pork or beef), such capsule products may not be suitable for people who avoid pork for allergy or religious reasons. ^{[6] [7]}

Key point: tablet vs capsule

• Tablets (plain, coated, enteric-coated, or chewable) often do not contain gelatin and can be suitable for pork‑avoidant users, depending on the specific product. ^{[1] [8] [2]}
• Capsules (including many extended‑release combinations with aspirin) frequently use gelatin shells and therefore may involve animal-derived gelatin. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

Suitable aspirin options if you avoid pork

• Regular or film‑coated tablets: Products listing excipients like alginate, cellulose derivatives, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and/or carnauba wax are typically gelatin‑free. ^{[1] [3]}
• Enteric‑coated tablets: Many enteric coatings use cellulose phthalates or acrylic copolymers (e.g., cellulose acetate phthalate or methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer) rather than gelatin. ^{[9] [2]}
• Chewable tablets: Commonly list dextrates, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, and colorants, without gelatin. ^{[8] [10] [11]}

Examples from official product labels

• Film‑coated aspirin tablet: Lists alginate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, and triethyl citrate (no gelatin listed). ^[1]
• Coated low‑dose aspirin tablet: Includes methacrylic acid‑ethyl acrylate copolymer, talc, silicon dioxide, and colorant D&C Yellow No. 10 (no gelatin listed). ^[2]
• Branded regular aspirin: Inactive ingredients include carnauba wax, corn starch, hypromellose, powdered cellulose, and triacetin (no gelatin listed). ^[3]
• Chewable aspirin: Inactive ingredients such as dextrates and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (no gelatin listed). ^[8]
• Extended‑release aspirin/dipyridamole capsule: Gelatin explicitly listed as an inactive ingredient (capsule shell). ^{[4] [5] [6]}

Special considerations for allergies and religious dietary needs

• Allergy to pork/gelatin: While many tablet formulations are gelatin‑free, capsule products with gelatin shells should be presumed animal‑derived unless the label states otherwise. ^{[4] [5]}
• Religious dietary restrictions (e.g., halal/kosher/vegetarian): Choosing tablet or chewable aspirin products that do not list gelatin can align better with dietary requirements. ^{[1] [8] [2] [3]}
• Enteric coatings without gelatin: Enteric‑coated tablets generally rely on cellulose or acrylic polymers to delay dissolution in the stomach and do not require gelatin. ^[9]

Why labels matter Inactive ingredients vary by brand, strength, and dosage form, and manufacturers may change excipients over time. Checking the “Inactive Ingredients” section of the Drug Facts or official product information each time you buy is the safest approach. ^[12] If a product is a capsule and lists “gelatin,” it may be animal‑derived; if you need assurance, consider contacting the manufacturer for the exact source. ^{[4] [5]}

Bottom line

• Many aspirin tablets (regular, coated, enteric‑coated, and chewable) are typically gelatin‑free and may be suitable for people avoiding pork for allergy or religious reasons. ^{[1] [8] [2] [3]}
• Some aspirin combination products in capsule form contain gelatin and may not be suitable. ^{[4] [5] [6]}
• To be confident, select tablet or chewable formulations that clearly list non‑gelatin excipients and review the label each time. ^{[1] [8] [2]}

Practical tips

• Prefer “tablet” or “chewable tablet” over “capsule” when avoiding gelatin. ^{[8] [2]}
• Look for inactive ingredients like cellulose derivatives, acrylic copolymers, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, carnauba wax, and starches these are commonly non‑animal. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Avoid products that list “gelatin,” especially extended‑release capsules. ^{[4] [5]}
• If you need an enteric‑coated option to protect the stomach, choose an enteric‑coated tablet rather than a capsule. ^[9]

If you’d like, I can help you pick a specific brand and dose that fits your needs and is gelatin‑free based on what’s available where you live.