Functional Fibers That Will Not Cause Bloating or Diarrhoea!
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) vs. Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS):
Superior Prebiotics for Southeast Asia’s Food Innovations
As health-conscious consumers in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia look for fiber-enriched foods, food technologists face the real challenge of developing products that are not only nutritious but also enjoyable to eat and drink.
Fiber can easily make products dense, gritty, or alter flavors, leading to a disappointing eating experience. That’s where Halim Biotech’s high-quality fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) shine. These functional ingredients are designed to keep products both tasty and beneficial, offering gut health support while solving common formulation issues like texture, flavor, and stability.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): The Sweet Spot for Taste, Texture, and Fiber
FOS brings more than just fiber. It has a mild sweetness, about 30-50% of the sweetness of regular sugar, so it adds a hint of flavor while keeping calories low. It’s water-soluble, which means it mixes easily into liquids and baked goods, contributing to a smooth, pleasant mouthfeel without any grittiness. Importantly, it also helps retain moisture – crucial for soft, enjoyable bakery items.
Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS): Reliable Stability and High-Efficiency Prebiotic Power
GOS is an outstanding option for products needing stability under heat or acidity – a major plus for beverages and baked goods. Unlike many fibers that can lose functionality at high temperatures, GOS holds up, which means it’s ideal for a wider range of applications. GOS also stimulates beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, making it a high-impact prebiotic that directly supports both digestive and immune health.
FOS vs. GOS: How to Choose the Right Fiber
Both FOS and GOS bring distinct advantages for gut health-focused foods:
- Flavor Profile: FOS adds a touch of sweetness, while GOS is mostly neutral, making it better for sensitive flavors.
- Stability: GOS’s stability in high-temperature and acidic environments makes it ideal for heat-processed or high-acidity products.
- Specific Health Benefits: Both feed beneficial gut bacteria, but GOS also offers notable immune support.
Beverages
FOS dissolves effortlessly in yogurt drinks, juices, and smoothies, adding fiber without extra sweetness.
Ideal for dairy and non-dairy drinks, GOS maintains its prebiotic effect in heat-processed nut milks and even in fermented beverages.
- Suggested Dosage: 1-3g per 100ml.
- Product Example: Immune-boosting almond milk (per 100ml: 2g fiber).
Health Foods: Protein Bars, Prebiotic Powders, Milk Beverage Powders
FOS is perfect for prebiotic powders, granolas, or digestive supplements.
GOS is widely used in infant formulas, protein bars, and functional supplements, due to its stability and gentle taste.
Product Example: Prebiotic powder supplement (per 5g serving: 4g fiber from FOS).
Suggested Dosage: 2-8g per serving.
Bakery
FOS is ideal for high-fiber breads, muffins, and bars, where it supports a tender, moist crumb without impacting the rise.
Product Example: Soft multigrain bread with added FOS (per 100g: 3g fiber from FOS).
Suggested Dosage: 2-5g per 100g of product.
Confectionery
FOS works beautifully in reduced-sugar treats like chocolates, caramels, or hard candies, adding fiber without grittiness.
Product Example: Fiber-boosted chocolate truffles (per serving: 4g fiber).
Suggested Dosage: 3-6g per 100g.
Functional Foods | Breakfast Cereals| Plant-based Drinks
Ideal for dairy and non-dairy drinks, GOS maintains its prebiotic effect in heat-processed nut milks and even in fermented beverages.
Product Example: Immune-boosting almond milk (per 100ml: 2g fiber).
Suggested Dosage: 1-3g per 100ml.
Sports Nutrition: Many sports nutrition products like protein powders, recovery drinks, and energy gels use FOS or GOS to up the fibers and improve bioavailability of the nutrients in the digestive system.
Nutritional Label Highlights
- Low-calorie fiber
- Digestive and immune health support
- 0g added sugar (for sugar-free labeling)
Choose Halim Biotech for Reliable Quality
With Halim Biotech’s FOS and GOS, food technologists in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia can elevate their product offerings with top-tier prebiotics, aligning with consumer demands for tasty, health-enhancing foods. Our ingredients ensure that formulations stay clean, stable, and easy to label, helping brands create gut-health products that consumers will love.
Are you ready to embark on your FOS journey in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia?