Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Imagine Confectionary Goods That Are Rich And Delicious With No Added Sugars And A 10th Of The Calories
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic carbohydrates that are derived from natural sources like chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, agave and sugar cane. Icon Foods utilizes a natural water extraction process to release these chains of non-digestible fructose and glucose molecules. FOS delivers less sweetness than sugar with minimal calories. Commonly used in combination with other sweeteners, FOS provides a variety of functional and nutritional benefits in foods.
As a prebiotic, fructooligosaccharides are beneficial to gut health by supporting the growth of healthy microflora. In food products, the bulking and fat-mimetic qualities of FOS improve texture and mouthfeel. Its moderate sweetness and neutral flavor pair well with more intense sweeteners. FOS excels as a low calorie bulking agent. Applications include Beverages, Dressings, Confectionery, Bars, Cereals and Baked Goods.
What Are Fructooligosaccharides?
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain polymers comprised of D-fructose and D-glucose, which are not metabolized by the body like simple sugars are, and are therefore considered non-digestible oligosaccharides. They occur naturally in bananas, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes and certain other foods, and technically are a soluble fiber.
Several studies have found that FOS and inulin promote calcium absorption in both the animal and human gut. The intestinal microflora in the lower gut can ferment FOS, which results in a reduced pH. Calcium is more soluble in acid, and, therefore, more of it comes out of food and is available to move from the gut into the bloodstream.
FOS can be considered a small dietary fiber with (like all types of fiber) low caloric value. The fermentation of FOS results in the production of gases and acids. The latter provide some energy to the body.
Nutritional Benefits (per 100 Gram sample)
- OliggoFiber - Inulin Fiber: 100 grams
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0
- Total Carbohydrate: 97 grams
- Sugars: 7
- Dietary Fiber: 90
FOS As A Sweetening System:
- Non-GMO, Gluten-free FOS can be considered a small dietary fiber with low caloric value.
- FOS works well in combination with sweeteners like stevia, allulose and erythritol to add bulk and a creamy texture.
- FOS provides a variety of functional benefits to food products like texture, mouth feel and as a fat mimetic.
- FOS is not metabolized by the body like simple sugars and are considered non-digestive oligosaccharides.
- Icon Foods PreBiotica FOS is designed for a wide range of products, including frozen dairy applications, yogurts, energy/nutrition bars, cookies and nut butters.
- PreBiotica FOS is available in powder and liquid form.
Clean Label Sugar Reduction
Is Key To Winning Health Minded And Mainstream Consumers. PreBiotica FOS May Help You Reach It With Clean Label Calorie Reduction.
In a study released by the Consumer Goods Forum, more than 102 food companies surveyed reformulated 180,000 products to support a healthier lifestyle and address public health issues. Ingredient suppliers and food technologists alike have this opportunity to step up their game. Companies like Coke, Pepsi, Kraft and Nestle are making changes, are you?
This is your chance to create a clean label product that consumers will love.
The “Added Sugar” Scarlet Letter
- Consumers are demanding low-sugar, clean label options
- According to an IFIC health survey, 48% of consumers say they are eliminating certain foods and beverages from their diet because of sugar
- Baby boomers are feeling the effects of poor lifestyle choices and changing the way they live
- Half of women surveyed said they are reducing their sugar intake
- Brands have recently started reformulating with stevia and monk fruit products, but there are many other healthy options consumers don’t know about. Consumers are becoming more health conscious, but they are still often misinformed about sweeteners
The Clean Label Movement in the U.S.
- Clean labels have enormous customer appeal and will not go unnoticed by diabetics, low glycemic dieters and anyone living a healthy lifestyle
- Cities like Boulder, San Francisco and Albany were the latest major US cities to implement sugar taxes on soft drinks. This is also a global issue; many countries are making similar changes when it comes to sugar consumption
- Children are our future, and parents no longer want to buy sugary products for their young ones
- Weight gain and diabetes are some of the biggest issues facing the sugar industry
- 75% of consumers surveyed said that sugar content affects their purchasing behavior
