Xylo-Oligosaccharides (XOS)

A low-dose prebiotic fiber composed of 2 to 7 xylose units linked through beta-(1,4) glycosidic bonds, produced by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of plant-derived xylan from corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, or hardwood.

Soluble dietary fiber. Recognized as one of the most potent bifidogenic prebiotics per gram of dose: clinical studies demonstrate selective stimulation of Bifidobacterium at intakes as low as 1.4 to 2.8 g per day, an order of magnitude below FOS and inulin.

Mildly sweet (around 40 percent of sucrose) with excellent heat and acid stability. Highly water-soluble with low viscosity contribution.

White to off-white powder, or 70 percent solids syrup. XOS content typically 35 percent (syrup), 70 percent, and 95 percent (premium powder).

We supply food-grade Xylo-Oligosaccharides from manufacturers in China holding ISO, HACCP, Halal, Kosher, and Non-GMO Project certifications relevant to the product and production.

Common market grades include XOS 20 percent and 35 percent syrup, XOS 70 percent and 95 percent powder. DP distribution can be tailored toward xylobiose (DP 2) and xylotriose (DP 3) for highest bifidogenic activity.

Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering XOS content (HPLC), DP profile, moisture, ash, heavy metals, and microbiology.

Xylo-Oligosaccharides are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of plant xylan, the second most abundant hemicellulose polysaccharide. Manufacturing begins with alkaline extraction of xylan from corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, or hardwood (predominantly birch or beech), followed by controlled hydrolysis with endo-1,4-beta-xylanase to release short-chain oligomers. Purification proceeds through filtration, decolorization, and ion exchange.

The DP profile is the principal performance driver. Xylobiose and xylotriose are the most rapidly fermented species and the strongest stimulators of bifidobacteria; longer chains deliver more colon-distal fermentation. Commercial premium grades target a high DP 2 to 3 fraction.

Regulatory status is established in Asia and emerging in Western markets. China's NHC approved XOS as a new food raw material in 2009 and as an infant-formula ingredient under specified conditions. Japan recognized XOS under FOSHU since the early 2000s. The U.S. FDA has not issued a fiber-recognition letter for XOS as of the latest update, so dietary-fiber labeling in the United States depends on manufacturer-specific GRAS notifications and AOAC method results. EU labeling permits dietary-fiber declaration under Regulation 1169/2011.

XOS commands a price premium over FOS and GOS reflecting its low effective dose, the niche xylan-extraction supply chain, and the strong clinical evidence base for bifidogenic activity at gram-scale intakes. Strategic positioning rests on dose efficiency: a single-gram dose delivers prebiotic activity that requires 5 to 10 g of FOS, supporting smaller capsule formats and lower gastrointestinal-tolerance risk.

• Dietary supplements and synbiotic capsules (low-dose efficacy favors capsule formats)
• Functional dairy including yogurt and fermented milk drinks
• Stick-pack prebiotic powders and instant beverage mixes
• Infant and clinical nutrition
• Functional bakery and snack bars
• Sugar-free and reduced-sugar confectionery
• Animal nutrition and pet food
• Oral-care formulations (synergy with probiotic mouth rinses)