Xylooligosaccharide (XOS)
Nutritional Enhancers
Sweeteners
$10.69 ~ $16.04
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Xylooligosaccharide (XOS)?
Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) is a non-digestible carbohydrate classified as a prebiotic fiber, which is primarily used in functional foods and dietary supplements to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
How is Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Select, clean, and crush xylan-rich agricultural materials like corncobs or sugarcane bagasse. Optional alkali pre-treatment may be performed. | Note: The quality and cleanliness of the raw material directly impact the purity of the final product. Consistent particle size is crucial for efficient enzymatic reaction. |
| 2 | Enzymatic Hydrolysis | Mix the prepared raw material with water to create a slurry. Add a specific enzyme, endo-xylanase, to hydrolyze the xylan polymers into smaller XOS molecules. | Control Point: Precisely control temperature, pH, reaction time, and enzyme dosage. This core step determines the yield and degree of polymerization (DP) of the XOS. |
| 3 | Enzyme Inactivation & Separation | Heat the slurry to a high temperature to completely deactivate the xylanase enzyme. Separate the liquid hydrolysate (containing XOS) from the solid residue via centrifugation or filtration. | Note: Inactivation prevents further breakdown of XOS into unwanted monosaccharides. Efficient solid-liquid separation is key to maximizing yield. |
| 4 | Purification & Decolorization | Treat the liquid XOS solution with activated carbon to remove color. Further purify using ion-exchange chromatography or nanofiltration to remove salts, minerals, and monosaccharides (e.g., xylose). | Control Point: This is a critical stage for achieving high purity (e.g., >95%). Monitor column or membrane performance to ensure effective separation. |
| 5 | Concentration | Remove excess water from the purified solution using a vacuum evaporator to create a concentrated XOS syrup. | Note: Concentration under vacuum occurs at a lower temperature, which prevents thermal degradation and browning of the heat-sensitive XOS. |
| 6 | Spray Drying | Atomize the concentrated XOS syrup into a chamber with hot air, instantly evaporating the remaining water to form a fine, uniform powder. | Control Point: Inlet and outlet air temperatures and feed rate must be carefully managed to achieve the target moisture content and particle size without damaging the product. |
| 7 | Sieving & Packaging | Sieve the final XOS powder to ensure uniform granularity and remove any clumps. Perform final quality control analysis and package the product in sealed, moisture-proof containers. | Note: Final QC tests confirm purity, microbial counts, and physical properties. Proper packaging is essential to protect the hygroscopic powder and ensure shelf-life stability. |
Technical Specifications
| Solubility | Soluble in water; acid‑ and heat‑stable |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, airtight |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
functional foods
dietary supplements
beverages
feed
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Prebiotic Dietary Fiber; Low-Calorie Sweetener; Bifidogenic Factor |
| Key Ingredients | Oligosaccharides consisting of 2-7 xylose units linked by β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. |
| Mechanism of Action | Resists digestion by human enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract; selectively fermented by beneficial gut microbiota (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus) in the colon; this fermentation produces Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) like butyrate and propionate, which lower colonic pH and nourish colonocytes. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increases dietary fiber content without significant viscosity changes; promotes a healthy gut microbiome (bifidogenic effect); provides mild sweetness with a low glycemic index and low caloric value; improves stability and mouthfeel in some beverage and dairy applications; may enhance mineral absorption. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xylooligosaccharide (XOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Derived from xylan in plant fibers (e.g., corncobs); highly selective for Bifidobacteria growth; effective at very low doses (0.7-1.4g). | Highest bifidogenic activity at the lowest dosage; superior heat and acid stability; minimal gas/bloating side effects. | Higher cost per gram compared to bulk prebiotics like Inulin or FOS. | Low-dose supplementation for sensitive individuals; enhancing synbiotic formulations; functional foods requiring heat processing. | For the most potent prebiotic effect with minimal dosage and the lowest risk of digestive discomfort. |
| Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Naturally occurring in many plants (e.g., chicory, banana, onion); typically shorter chains than inulin; effective dose is 2.5-10g. | Widely researched, readily available, and relatively inexpensive; provides a slight sweet taste. | Rapidly fermented, which can cause significant gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, especially at higher doses. | General-purpose prebiotic supplementation; adding fiber and mild sweetness to foods and drinks. | For a cost-effective, well-studied prebiotic if you are not prone to digestive side effects from FODMAPs. |
| Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Derived from lactose (milk sugar); structure is similar to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs); effective dose is 2.5-10g. | Highly effective at promoting Bifidobacteria; well-tolerated by most, including infants; extensive use in infant formula. | Derived from dairy, making it unsuitable for individuals with milk allergies or severe lactose intolerance. | Infant nutrition to support a healthy gut microbiome; general prebiotic use for non-dairy-allergic individuals. | For supporting infant gut health or for adults seeking a prebiotic that closely mimics those found in human milk. |
| Inulin | Prebiotic Polysaccharide (Fructan) | Long-chain fructose polymer; commonly extracted from chicory root; adds dietary fiber and can replace fat in foods. | Excellent source of dietary fiber; very low cost; improves texture and mouthfeel in food products. | Highly prone to causing gas and bloating due to its rapid fermentation by a wide range of gut bacteria. | Increasing the fiber content of processed foods; fat replacement in low-fat products; bulk prebiotic powder. | For boosting dietary fiber intake and using it as a functional food ingredient, if you can tolerate the digestive effects. |
| Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) | Prebiotic Oligosaccharide | Mixture of glucose oligomers; produced from starch; provides sweetness and functions as a fiber in food products. | Sweet taste with fewer calories than sugar; often used in protein bars and syrups as a binder and sweetener. | Prebiotic effect is debated; some forms are partially digested, which can raise blood glucose and reduce microbial fermentation. | As a lower-calorie sugar replacement and binding agent in "low-carb" or "high-fiber" bars and syrups. | For a functional fiber that provides sweetness and texture, but not primarily for a potent, targeted prebiotic effect. |
| Resistant Starch (RS) | Prebiotic Polysaccharide | Starch that resists digestion in the small intestine; found in green bananas, cooked/cooled potatoes, and legumes. | Ferments more slowly, causing less gas; a primary precursor for butyrate production, which fuels colon cells. | Requires a much larger dose (15-30g) to achieve significant prebiotic effects compared to oligosaccharides. | Improving gut barrier function; promoting butyrate levels; for individuals highly sensitive to FODMAPs like FOS and inulin. | For focusing on butyrate production and gut lining health with a lower likelihood of causing gas or bloating. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
Spec sheet & COA
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications