Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) suppliers and sourcing guide
Fructooligosaccharides are short chains of fructose units, usually two to about eight long. They are made two ways: by partial enzymatic hydrolysis of chicory inulin (oligofructose, which includes some chains without a terminal glucose), or by enzymatic synthesis from sucrose using a fructosyltransferase (short-chain FOS, mostly GF2 to GF4). Both are sold as powders or syrups that are mildly sweet and very soluble.
- Category
- Fibers
- Also known as
- FOS · oligofructose · short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) · fructo-oligosaccharides
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of fructooligosaccharides (fos)
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Short-chain FOS (scFOS) from sucrose
Enzymatically synthesized from cane or beet sugar; a defined mix of kestose, nystose and fructosylnystose.
Oligofructose from chicory inulin
Made by partial hydrolysis of chicory inulin; slightly broader chain-length range.
Powder grades
Spray-dried, typically 95% FOS or higher on a dry basis; used in drink mixes, capsules and bars.
Syrup grades
Liquid FOS with lower purity and higher residual sugars, used in confectionery and beverages.
Organic
Organic oligofructose from organic chicory or organic scFOS from organic sugar, under organic certification.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- FOS content and profile
- FOS percentage and GF2/GF3/GF4 (or DP) distribution by HPLC or HPAEC-PAD, on a dry basis.
- Free sugars
- Glucose, fructose and sucrose by HPLC, which matter for sweetness and the sugars line on the label.
- Moisture
- Loss on drying or Karl Fischer for powder; dry solids for syrup.
- Ash and pH
- Confirms refining and solution stability.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Salmonella.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
FOS powder is hygroscopic and cakes in humid air, so keep it in sealed, moisture-barrier bags in a cool, dry place. FOS can hydrolyze to free sugars in hot acidic conditions, which matters in processing more than in dry storage. Suppliers set a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.
Lots and expiry dates
Purity and free-sugar levels differ between scFOS and chicory oligofructose and between suppliers, so record the source and the FOS percentage from each COA. Keep the same grade if your label declares fiber or sugars grams.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
GRN 44, for fructooligosaccharide notified by GTC Nutrition for use in foods in general excluding meat and poultry products and infant formula, closed on Nov 22, 2000 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 1006, for short-chain fructooligosaccharides notified by Ingredion as a bulking agent and general-purpose food ingredient, closed on Jan 19, 2022 with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)7 CFR 205.606 lists fructooligosaccharides among nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in products labeled organic, only when the organic form is not commercially available.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists fructooligosaccharides (oligofructose) from chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke tuber, and short-chain fructooligosaccharides as a separate proper name.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking fructooligosaccharides (fos) suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell fructooligosaccharides (fos)? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of fructooligosaccharides (fos) can brands buy?
Common forms include short-chain FOS (scFOS) from sucrose, oligofructose from chicory inulin, powder grades, syrup grades and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for fructooligosaccharides (fos) include?
Expect fOS content and profile, free sugars, moisture, ash and pH, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should fructooligosaccharides (fos) be stored?
FOS powder is hygroscopic and cakes in humid air, so keep it in sealed, moisture-barrier bags in a cool, dry place. FOS can hydrolyze to free sugars in hot acidic conditions, which matters in processing more than in dry storage. Suppliers set a best-before or retest date for unopened packaging.
What is the regulatory status of fructooligosaccharides (fos)?
GRN 44, for fructooligosaccharide notified by GTC Nutrition for use in foods in general excluding meat and poultry products and infant formula, closed on Nov 22, 2000 with FDA having no questions. GRN 1006, for short-chain fructooligosaccharides notified by Ingredion as a bulking agent and general-purpose food ingredient, closed on Jan 19, 2022 with FDA having no questions. 7 CFR 205.606 lists fructooligosaccharides among nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in products labeled organic, only when the organic form is not commercially available. Health Canada's prebiotics natural health product monograph lists fructooligosaccharides (oligofructose) from chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke tuber, and short-chain fructooligosaccharides as a separate proper name.
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