What Is FOS Powder?
Fructooligosaccharides - widely known as FOS - are short-chain prebiotic fibers composed of fructose units linked to a terminal glucose molecule. Found naturally in chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, garlic, and banana, FOS has earned its place as one of the most well-researched and commercially significant prebiotic ingredients in the global dietary supplement and functional food market.
At Joywin Natural, we supply pharmaceutical- and food-grade FOS Powder to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, private label companies, and food formulators across North America, Europe, and beyond. With our vertically integrated supply chain - from raw material sourcing to finished bulk powder - we deliver consistency, traceability, and competitive pricing at scale.
"Not all prebiotic fibers are created equal. The purity, degree of polymerization, and production method of FOS directly impact its functional performance in your finished product." - Joywin R&D Team
Product Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Product Name |
FOS Powder (Fructooligosaccharides) |
|
Botanical Source |
Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus) / Sucrose enzymatic synthesis |
|
CAS Number |
308066-66-2 |
|
Molecular Formula |
Variable (GF2, GF3, GF4 chain mixture) |
|
Appearance |
White to off-white fine powder |
|
Taste |
Mildly sweet, clean finish |
|
Sweetness Relative to Sucrose |
~30–60% |
|
Solubility |
Freely soluble in water |
|
Available Grades |
Food Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade |
|
Standard Specifications |
FOS ≥ 95%, FOS ≥ 90%, FOS ≥ 57% (syrup-equivalent dry basis) |
|
MOQ |
25 kg |
|
Packaging |
25 kg/drum (double-layer PE bag inside fiber drum) |
|
Shelf Life |
24 months from date of manufacture |
|
Storage |
Cool, dry place; away from direct sunlight; below 25°C |
Source & Raw Material Origin
FOS Powder from Joywin is derived from two primary pathways, both of which we offer depending on your formulation needs:
Chicory Root Extraction (Inulin Hydrolysis Route)
Chicory root (Cichorium intybus) is the world's premier commercial source of inulin and FOS. The root is harvested, washed, and subjected to hot-water extraction. The resulting inulin is then enzymatically hydrolyzed using inulinase (EC 3.2.1.7) to yield short-chain FOS fractions (DP 2–8). This route produces a highly consistent oligosaccharide profile with minimal residual sugars.
As the world's largest organic inulin and Jerusalem artichoke inulin manufacturer, Joywin controls its own planting base - giving us a supply chain advantage that most ingredient traders simply cannot match. Our chicory is sourced from certified non-GMO agricultural zones, with full traceability documentation available upon request.
Enzymatic Transfructosylation (Sucrose Route)
FOS can also be produced from sucrose via transfructosylation using β-fructofuranosidase (fructosyltransferase). In this process, fructose units are transferred from sucrose to form the GF2 (1-kestose), GF3 (nystose), and GF4 (fructosylnystose) oligomers that constitute short-chain FOS.
This route is widely used in Asia and produces a product with a slightly higher residual mono/disaccharide content, which is suitable for food-grade sweetener applications where mild sweetness is desired.
We are transparent about which production route your batch uses - full documentation including raw material origin, enzyme source, and processing records is available under NDA for qualified buyers.

Chemical Composition & Molecular Profile
FOS is not a single molecule - it is a mixture of oligosaccharide chains, primarily:
|
Component |
Common Name |
DP (Degree of Polymerization) |
Typical % in sc-FOS |
|
GF2 |
1-Kestose |
3 |
35–40% |
|
GF3 |
Nystose |
4 |
40–45% |
|
GF4 |
Fructosylnystose |
5 |
10–15% |
|
Residual sugars |
Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose |
- |
≤ 5% (95% grade) |
The β(2→1) glycosidic linkage between fructose units is the key structural feature that renders FOS resistant to hydrolysis by human digestive enzymes - meaning it passes intact to the colon where it selectively feeds beneficial bacteria.
This structural specificity is what distinguishes FOS from generic dietary fiber and underpins its clinical prebiotic activity.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) - Typical Specification
The following represents our standard 95% FOS Powder specification. Custom specifications (90%, 57% dry basis) available on request.
|
Test Item |
Specification |
Test Method |
|
FOS Content (dry basis) |
≥ 95.0% |
HPLC |
|
Moisture |
≤ 5.0% |
GB 5009.3 / AOAC 925.10 |
|
Ash |
≤ 0.5% |
GB 5009.4 |
|
pH (10% solution) |
4.5 – 7.0 |
pH meter |
|
Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
≤ 0.5 ppm |
ICP-MS |
|
Lead (Pb) |
≤ 0.1 ppm |
ICP-MS |
|
Arsenic (As) |
≤ 0.1 ppm |
ICP-MS |
|
Mercury (Hg) |
≤ 0.05 ppm |
ICP-MS |
|
Cadmium (Cd) |
≤ 0.1 ppm |
ICP-MS |
|
Total Plate Count |
≤ 1,000 CFU/g |
GB 4789.2 |
|
Yeast & Mold |
≤ 100 CFU/g |
GB 4789.15 |
|
E. coli |
Negative / 10g |
GB 4789.3 |
|
Salmonella |
Negative / 25g |
GB 4789.4 |
|
Staphylococcus aureus |
Negative / 10g |
GB 4789.10 |
|
Pesticide Residues |
Compliant with EU 396/2005 |
GC-MS/LC-MS |
|
GMO Status |
Non-GMO |
PCR |
|
Allergens |
None declared |
- |
|
Irradiation |
Non-irradiated |
- |
Full COA, MSDS, and third-party lab reports are available upon request. We work with accredited third-party labs including SGS, Eurofins, and Intertek.
Manufacturing Process
Our FOS Powder is produced in a GMP-certified facility under strict process controls. Here is a simplified overview of the production flow:
Raw Material Intake (Chicory Root / Food-Grade Sucrose)
↓
Incoming QC Inspection (Identity, Purity, Microbial)
↓
Extraction / Enzymatic Reaction
[Inulinase hydrolysis OR β-fructofuranosidase transfructosylation]
↓
Filtration & Decolorization (Activated Carbon Treatment)
↓
Ion Exchange Chromatography (Demineralization & Purification)
↓
Concentration (Evaporation)
↓
Spray Drying / Crystallization
↓
Sieving & Particle Size Classification
↓
In-Process QC Testing
↓
Finished Product QC (Full COA Testing)
↓
Packaging in Cleanroom Environment
↓
Batch Release & Documentation
The spray drying stage is critical for achieving consistent powder flowability, bulk density, and moisture content - parameters that directly affect your downstream manufacturing (capsule filling, tableting, blending). Our process parameters are tightly controlled and documented per batch.
Quality Control System
Quality at Joywin is not a department - it is built into every step of the supply chain. Here is how we ensure what leaves our facility meets your specifications every single time:
Laboratory Infrastructure
In-house HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and microbiological testing
Calibrated instruments with traceable standards (NIST/ISO)
Retained samples for every production batch (36-month archive)
Certifications Held
cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)
ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)
ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
BRC (British Retail Consortium - Grade A)
Kosher (OU Certified)
Halal (IFANCA / local authority certified)
NOP / JAS Organic (for organic-grade inulin/FOS)
Traceability & Documentation Package
Every shipment comes with:
Full COA (in-house + third-party)
MSDS / SDS
Heavy metals report
Pesticide residue report
Microbiological report
GMO-free declaration
Allergen declaration
Country of origin certificate
BSE/TSE-free declaration
Key Product Advantages - Why Buyers Choose Joywin FOS
We understand that as a formulator or brand owner, you've likely dealt with these frustrations before:
❌ Inconsistent batch-to-batch purity that throws off your label claims ❌ Suppliers who can't provide third-party testing or hide behind vague "in-house" results ❌ Long lead times that disrupt your production schedule ❌ Poor flowability that causes issues in capsule filling or tablet compression ❌ No technical support when you need formulation guidance
Here's how Joywin addresses each of these directly:
|
Pain Point |
Joywin Solution |
|
Inconsistent purity |
HPLC-verified FOS content per batch; Cpk ≥ 1.33 process capability |
|
Lack of transparency |
Full documentation package + third-party lab reports (SGS/Eurofins) |
|
Long lead times |
500MT+ stock inventory; standard lead time 7–15 days after PO |
|
Poor powder properties |
Controlled spray drying; D50 particle size 80–150 μm; bulk density 0.45–0.60 g/mL |
|
No technical support |
Dedicated application chemist; formulation guidance included |
|
Regulatory compliance |
EU, FDA, and EFSA-compliant documentation available |
Health Benefits & Scientific Evidence
FOS is among the most clinically studied prebiotic ingredients in the world. Here is what the peer-reviewed science says - and what this means for your product positioning:
* Prebiotic & Gut Microbiome Support
FOS selectively stimulates the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species in the colon - the two genera most associated with gut health benefits. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Scientific Reports demonstrated that FOS supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus OTUs compared to placebo.
This selective fermentation - the hallmark of a true prebiotic - is what makes FOS a premium ingredient rather than generic fiber.
* Digestive Regularity & Bowel Health
FOS increases stool frequency and improves consistency by promoting osmotic water retention in the colon and stimulating peristalsis through short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. A comprehensive review published in EFD² (Essential Food & Drug) confirmed FOS's efficacy in reducing constipation and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
* Immune System Modulation
The SCFAs produced during FOS fermentation - particularly butyrate - serve as the primary energy source for colonocytes and play a critical role in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. A 2022 meta-analysis in PMC/Nutrients confirmed that FOS supplementation positively modulates gut microbiota composition in ways associated with enhanced mucosal immunity.
* Blood Sugar & Metabolic Benefits
FOS has a glycemic index (GI) of near zero and does not raise blood glucose levels, making it suitable for diabetic-friendly and low-GI product formulations. Its fermentation in the colon produces propionate, which has been shown to reduce hepatic glucose production.
* Dental Health (Non-Cariogenic)
Unlike sucrose and other fermentable sugars, FOS is non-cariogenic - it does not support the growth of Streptococcus mutans and does not contribute to tooth decay. This is a meaningful claim for functional confectionery and children's supplement applications.
* Summary of Clinical Evidence
|
Health Benefit |
Evidence Level |
Key Mechanism |
|
Prebiotic / Bifidogenic effect |
★★★★★ (Strong RCT evidence) |
Selective fermentation by Bifidobacterium |
|
Digestive regularity |
★★★★☆ (Multiple RCTs) |
SCFA production, osmotic effect |
|
Immune modulation |
★★★★☆ (Meta-analyses) |
Butyrate → colonocyte health |
|
Blood sugar management |
★★★☆☆ (Mechanistic + human studies) |
Low GI; propionate production |
|
Calcium absorption |
★★★☆☆ (Human studies) |
Colonic acidification enhances mineral solubility |
|
Non-cariogenic |
★★★★☆ (In vitro + clinical) |
Not fermented by S. mutans |
Regulatory Note: FOS has been affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the U.S. FDA (GRAS Notice GRN 623). It is also approved as a food ingredient in the EU, Japan (FOSHU), China (GB standard), and most major markets globally. $CITE_FDA
Applications & Use Cases
FOS Powder's combination of prebiotic function, mild sweetness, and clean label appeal makes it one of the most versatile functional ingredients on the market. Here are the primary application categories where our customers use it:
* Dietary Supplements
Probiotic + Prebiotic (Synbiotic) formulas - FOS is the most common prebiotic paired with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains
Fiber supplement capsules/tablets/powders
Women's health formulas (vaginal microbiome support)
Children's digestive health gummies and chewables
Senior health formulas (gut motility, calcium absorption)
* Functional Food & Beverage
Protein powders and meal replacement shakes - adds fiber without affecting taste
Prebiotic beverages and RTD drinks
Functional yogurts and dairy alternatives
Nutrition bars and snacks
Infant formula (FOS is widely used in EU/US infant nutrition at regulated levels)
* Sugar Reduction & Clean Label
Low-sugar confectionery - FOS provides mild sweetness (~0.3–0.6× sucrose) with negligible calories (~1.5 kcal/g vs. 4 kcal/g for sucrose)
Diabetic-friendly products
Keto-friendly fiber supplements (FOS is not counted as net carbs in many jurisdictions)
* Cosmetics & Topical (Emerging)
Prebiotic skincare formulations - growing interest in FOS as a topical ingredient to support skin microbiome balance (emerging application, not yet mainstream)
JOYWIN Manufacturing Facilities
JOYWIN founded in 2013 is an innovation-driven biotechnology company. we provide the manufacture of plant extracts, plant proteases, and customized products. We believe Good produce= Integrity+ Technology+Quality Control.

Packaging & Shipping
● Package: Paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside and Can be customerized.
● Net Weight: 25kgs/bag
● Storage: Stored in dry and cool place, keep away from strong light and heat
● For quantity less than 50KG, DHL Express, FEDEX ,UPS and EMS ,usually called as DDU service (3-5 working day)
● For quantity more than 50kg, you can choose shipping by air (3-7 working day)
● For quantity over 200KG ; you can choose shipping by sea (depend on the destination port)

FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between FOS and inulin? Both are fructan-type prebiotic fibers, but they differ in chain length. FOS (short-chain fructooligosaccharides, sc-FOS) has a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2–8, while inulin typically has DP 10–60. FOS dissolves more readily, has a slightly sweeter taste, and ferments faster in the proximal colon. Inulin ferments more slowly and reaches the distal colon. Many formulations combine both for a "full-colon" prebiotic effect.
Q2: Is your FOS Powder non-GMO? Yes. Our FOS Powder is produced from non-GMO chicory root or food-grade non-GMO sucrose. PCR-based GMO testing is conducted on every production batch, and a non-GMO declaration is included in the documentation package.
Q3: Does FOS Powder contain gluten or common allergens? No. FOS Powder is naturally gluten-free and free from the 14 major EU allergens and the 9 major US allergens (per FALCPA). Allergen declarations are provided with every shipment.
Q4: What is the recommended dosage for supplement formulations? The FDA GRAS notice for FOS supports intake levels of up to 4–8 g/day for adults in dietary supplement applications. Most commercial prebiotic supplements use 2–5 g per serving. For food fortification, typical usage levels are 1–5% by weight. We recommend consulting with your regulatory team for specific label claim guidance. $CITE_FDA
Q5: Can FOS be used in infant formula? Yes. FOS is approved for use in infant formula in the EU (Commission Directive 2006/52/EC) and is widely used in combination with GOS (galactooligosaccharides) in a 1:9 ratio to mimic the prebiotic profile of human breast milk. Specific regulatory compliance documentation for infant nutrition applications is available upon request.
Q6: What is the stability of FOS Powder in finished products? FOS Powder is stable under normal food processing conditions. It is heat-stable up to approximately 140°C for short durations, making it compatible with most baking, extrusion, and spray-drying processes. It is stable across a pH range of 4–7. Acidic conditions below pH 3 or prolonged high-heat exposure may cause partial hydrolysis to free fructose and glucose.
Q7: Do you offer custom specifications or private label? Yes. We offer OEM/ODM services including custom FOS content specifications (57%, 90%, 95%), custom particle size, custom blends (e.g., FOS + inulin, FOS + probiotics), and private label packaging. Minimum order quantities and lead times vary by specification.
Q8: How do I request a sample? Contact our sales team via the form below or email contact@joywinworld.com. Standard samples (100–500g) are available free of charge for qualified buyers; shipping costs apply. We typically dispatch samples within 3–5 business days.
Q9:Where & how can I place an order? You can click the inquiry on FOS powder or send us an e-mail to contact@joywinworld.com
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