Natural Ingredient Fructooligosaccharides Help Wellness Products Innovation

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), also known as sucrose-based oligosaccharides or fructooligosaccharides, are functional ingredients naturally found in various plants such as chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, and banana. Based on the raw materials and production processes, FOS can be categorised into sucrose-based fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSucrose) and chicory-based fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSinulin).

This ingredient has a refreshing sweetness, with a sweetness level of approximately 30%–60% that of sucrose. Its viscosity is similar to that of corn high-fructose syrup and decreases with increasing temperature. It demonstrates excellent stability in acid-alkali conditions: highly stable in neutral environments and prone to decomposition in acidic conditions. Additionally, oligosaccharides offer good solubility, heat resistance, strong alkali resistance, starch aging inhibition, non-colouring properties, and excellent moisture retention, making them suitable for various food processing applications.

Green Spring Technology is committed to providing high-quality oligofructose powder with high purity and stable performance, suitable for applications in dairy products, beverages, and health foods, helping companies develop fibre-enriched and texture-enhanced products that meet the needs of modern consumers.

1Characteristics of Oligofructose

1. 1 Natural water-soluble dietary fibre

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of natural water-soluble dietary fibre. Due to their unique molecular structure (containing β(2→1) glycosidic bonds), they can pass through the human upper digestive tract undigested and reach the large intestine, making them a highly sought-after food health component.

In the large intestine, fructooligosaccharides serve as a nutrient source for beneficial microorganisms, which ferment them into various short-chain organic acids.This property helps optimise the intestinal environment and promote microbial balance. Research indicates that moderate intake of FOS can increase the number of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and regulate the proportions of other microbial populations.

Currently, FOS is widely used in beverages, dairy products, baked goods, and dietary supplements, serving as an ideal functional ingredient for supporting daily digestive health and providing more natural and healthy ingredient options for modern food development.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a type of natural dietary fibre that helps promote intestinal peristalsis and support normal digestive function. In the gut, they serve as a high-quality nutrient source for beneficial microorganisms, promoting the proliferation of bifidobacteria and other beneficial bacteria, and helping to produce short-chain fatty acids, thereby creating a healthier intestinal environment.

Fructooligosaccharides have excellent water solubility and ease of consumption and are not directly absorbed by the human body. Numerous studies have shown that moderate intake of fructooligosaccharides helps improve bowel movement frequency and stool consistency, supporting balanced and comfortable intestinal function.

As a safe and mild ingredient, fructooligosaccharides are widely used to enhance the fibre content and functional properties of various foods and beverages, helping consumers maintain good digestive health in their daily diets.

2 Applications of Fructooligosaccharide (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) is a natural functional ingredient widely used in the global food and health product industry. Its exceptional properties and expanding application scope are attracting increasing attention from food manufacturers.

2.1 Application in Wellness Foods

Currently, in markets such as Europe, the United States, and Japan, FOS is used in a variety of products including probiotic beverages, solid beverages, candies, biscuits, bread, jellies, ice cream, dairy products, and soups. FOS not only helps increase the dietary fibre content of products but also improves food texture, extends shelf life, and supports the development of foods aligned with modern health trends.

2.2 An Ideal Low-Sugar Sweetening Solution

Due to its low-calorie and low-glycaemic response characteristics, oligofructose is also commonly used as an ideal sweetening solution for the development of products with low-sugar and low-calorie formulations, meeting modern consumers' demand for healthy diets.

2.3 Applications in Infant Foods

In infant and toddler foods, FOS is used as a prebiotic ingredient in infant formula, milk, fermented milk, and various dairy products. Currently, multiple countries and regions, including New Zealand, have approved FOS for use in infant formula and infant and toddler foods, further driving its global application and innovation.

2.4 Applications of Fructooligosaccharides in Specialty Foods

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have excellent water solubility and compatibility due to their low molecular weight, enabling stable application in liquid specialty dietary foods. Unlike some fibre components that are prone to precipitation or increased viscosity, FOS does not easily precipitate or cause blockages, making it suitable for liquid formulations with high requirements for product physical stability.

As a high-quality water-soluble dietary fibre, FOS not only helps maintain normal intestinal function and colon integrity but is also studied for its potential role in regulating nutrient absorption and metabolic pathways. Its good tolerability and compatibility make it an ideal fibre source for various special dietary foods, especially enteral nutrition products.

Currently, FOS is widely applied in various special dietary formulations, providing a fibre solution that balances nutritional support and stability for product development.

3 展望

The global demand for FOS continues to rise, making it a rapidly growing functional ingredient in food, health products, and specialty feeds. High-purity FOS has become the mainstream choice in the premium market.

Green Spring Technology leverages advanced enzyme technology to specialise in the production of high-purity FOS. Our products offer consistent batch quality and excellent solubility, providing companies with comprehensive solutions including formulation support and compliance consulting.

Contact us at helen@greenspringbio.com or WhatsApp: +86 13649243917 to request free samples and experience compatibility and stability, and collaborate with us to develop the next generation of healthy products!

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