They can be, but depending on what you eat, different minerals like calcium can hinder other vitamin absorbtion. I would try not to, and dont most of the time, but every once in a while take it w/ food just out of convientence.
It is better to take your multi w/ food. Many of the vitamins will help in absorption of carbs, fats and proteins. ANd you want all minerals to be present to perform their necessary functions at this time. Not in b/w meals. I wont even take it if it's in b/w i think it's wasting portions of it that can be better utilized when taken w/ food.