Application of Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in Condiments and Seasonings
Resistant to digestion by gastric acid and enzymes
Selectively fermentable by beneficial intestinal bacteria
Thermal stability and moisture retention capability
Approximately fifty to sixty percent sucrose sweetness level
Application of Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in Condiments and Seasonings
What is Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO)?
Functional Prebiotic Sweetener
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) are functional oligosaccharides derived from starch or starchy raw materials through enzymatic conversion, refinement, and concentration processes. The primary components include isomaltose, panose, and isomaltotriose and higher oligosaccharides linked by alpha-1,6-glycosidic bonds. Imorawel™IMO appears as a white to pale yellow powder with a sweetness level approximately 50-60% that of sucrose.
Combining sweetening functionality with notable digestive health benefits, Imorawel™IMO serves as a potent functional ingredient widely utilized across the food industry.
Health Benefits
Prebiotic Effect
Imorawel™IMO resists decomposition by gastric acid and digestive enzymes in the human body, allowing it to reach the large intestine intact where it is selectively fermented and utilized by beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria. This promotes the proliferation of intestinal probiotics and improves gut microbiota balance.
Improved Digestive Function
By promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, Imorawel™IMO stimulates the production of short-chain fatty acids (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid), lowers intestinal pH, inhibits harmful bacteria growth, improves digestive function, and alleviates constipation.
Tooth-Friendly Properties
IMO is not fermented by oral bacteria and does not cause dental caries, making it suitable for children and individuals concerned with oral health.
Enhanced Mineral Absorption
IMO can promote the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals, particularly improving calcium absorption rate, which contributes to bone health.
Application Advantages
Sweetness Modulation
With a sweetness level of 50-60% relative to sucrose, Imorawel™IMO can partially replace sucrose in condiments, reducing overall cloying sweetness and creating a softer, more natural flavor profile. This is particularly valuable for product categories such as sweet soy sauce and sweet chili sauce that require a gentle sweetness.
Prebiotic Functionality Empowerment
IMO adds gut health benefits to traditional condiments, aligning with contemporary consumer demand for functional foods and enabling brands to differentiate themselves in the health-oriented market trend.
Moisture Retention and Texture Improvement
IMO exhibits excellent moisture-retaining properties, helping sauces and paste-type condiments maintain optimal water content, improve product texture and mouthfeel, and extend shelf stability.
Thermal Processing Stability
IMO remains stable during high-temperature stir-frying and sterilization processes in cooking condiments, without decomposing or generating off-flavors from heat treatment, making it suitable for chili sauces, wok sauces, and other products requiring high-temperature processing.
Real-World Applications
Product Information
Brand: Showa Soykitchen | Company: Showa Sangyo
Spicy Arrabbiata Tomato Sauce, Soy in a 140g Flexible Pouch. Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Microwaveable, Eco-Friendly Packaging.
Key Ingredients
Application Value of Imorawel™IMO
Isomaltooligosaccharide ranks as the fifth ingredient in this product, serving multiple functional roles. First, as a sweetness modulator, it provides a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato base and the spiciness of chili peppers in the arrabbiata sauce, creating a more rounded flavor profile. Second, the prebiotic properties of Imorawel™IMO add gut health functionality to this health-positioned plant-based pasta sauce, synergizing with the product's zero-cholesterol and low-fat positioning. Additionally, the moisture-retaining properties of Imorawel™IMO help maintain the ideal sauce texture within the flexible pouch packaging, preventing quality degradation from moisture loss. Each 140g serving contains 2.7g of dietary fiber, to which Imorawel™IMO contributes significantly.
Product Innovation Highlights
Plant-Based Soy Meat Alternative: Utilizing soy protein as the primary ingredient to replace traditional meat, each serving provides 14.6g of protein while achieving zero cholesterol and low fat (only 2.1g fat), precisely meeting healthy dietary needs.
Microwave-Ready in 50 Seconds: The product is designed for microwave heating in just 50 seconds, with an alternative water bath heating option, providing an ultra-convenient single-serve meal solution for busy urban consumers.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Concept: The packaging features partial printing with botanical ink, reflecting Showa Sangyo's commitment to sustainability and complementing the product's plant-based positioning.
Italian Flavor with Japanese Innovation: Combining the classic Italian arrabbiata sauce with Japanese soy meat innovation, using the savory acidity of tomatoes and the spiciness of red chili peppers as the foundation, enriched with the mellow texture of soy protein, to create an East-meets-West single-serve pasta experience.
Product Information
Brand: ABC | Company: Heinz ABC
Kecap Manis / Sweet Soy Sauce in an 825g Flexible Pouch. Economical, Halal Certified.
Key Ingredients
Application Value of Imorawel™IMO
Isomaltooligosaccharide ranks as the third ingredient in this product, following sugar and soy extract, making it a core functional component of the formulation. In Indonesian traditional sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis), thick and sweet consistency is the defining characteristic. The inclusion of Imorawel™IMO achieves dual optimization: on one hand, Imorawel™IMO partially replaces sugar with its 50-60% sucrose sweetness level, reducing overall cloying sweetness without sacrificing the fundamental sweet base, resulting in a softer and more natural sweetness. On the other hand, the prebiotic function of Imorawel™IMO infuses this everyday table condiment with health attributes, allowing consumers to easily obtain gut health benefits through their daily diet. Furthermore, Imorawel™IMO is used in synergy with steviol glycoside to further optimize the sweetness curve and reduce aftertaste bitterness, while the moisture-retaining properties of Imorawel™IMO help maintain the signature thick consistency of sweet soy sauce. As a national-level condiment under the Kraft Heinz umbrella, ABC Sweet Soy Sauce incorporates Imorawel™IMO into an 825g economical large-format product, making functional ingredients truly accessible in mass daily consumption scenarios.
Product Innovation Highlights
Dual Fermentation Craftsmanship: Employing the traditional Indonesian dual fermentation process and authentic filtering technique, with increased soy extract content to enhance umami, combining traditional brewing wisdom with modern functional ingredient innovation.
Economical Large-Format Upgrade: The 825g flexible pouch features an anti-spill cap design, offering 40% better value compared to bottled products, bringing Imorawel™IMO-enriched functional sweet soy sauce to a broader consumer segment at a more accessible price point.
Dual Certification Endorsement: Simultaneously holding Indonesian Halal certification and the "Bangga Buatan Indonesia" (Proudly Indonesian Made) designation, establishing quality trust in Southeast Asia's largest Muslim market, enhanced by a QR code traceability system for consumer confidence.
Functional Sweetness Reconstruction: Using a combination of Imorawel™IMO and steviol glycoside to partially replace sugar, reducing caloric intake and adding prebiotic functionality without altering the classic sweet and thick flavor profile of Kecap Manis, achieving a health-oriented upgrade of a traditional condiment.
Company Introduction
Leading Global Manufacturer of Functional Sweeteners Since 1997
Baolingbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer specializing in the R&D, manufacturing, and solution services of functional carbohydrates. Founded in 1997, we are focused on enzyme engineering and fermentation engineering, serving customers across more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
In 2009, we became the first functional sugar company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 002286) in China's A-share market. Today, we have established deep strategic partnerships with major global customers including Coca-Cola, Danone, Yili Group, and Perfect (China).The company operates on a site spanning 300 acres, with an annual production capacity of 600,000 tons and a workforce of 1,300 employees.
Advanced R&D Capabilities
Possessing 9 R&D platforms including national enterprise technology center, national-local joint engineering lab, and postdoctoral research workstation. Expert team composed of academicians, Taishan Scholars, and overseas experts.
Global Market Presence
Products exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Strategic partnerships with majority of core customers across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries.
World-Class Manufacturing
Baolingbao's production infrastructure is characterized by a high degree of automation, intelligence, and digitalization. The company has made substantial investments in key facilities, including drying towers, pharmaceutical-grade sugar production lines, digital erythritol plants, and intelligent stereo warehouses. Featuring internationally sourced technologies and advanced control systems, these initiatives have enhanced production efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enabled full traceability across the supply chain.In support of sustainable operations, Baolingbao manages 40,000 mu (approximately 2,667 hectares) of regenerative agricultural planting bases and generates 10 million kWh of photovoltaic power annually.
Comprehensive Quality Assurance
First batch to pass FDA on-site audit. Certified with GMP, GRAS, HALAL, Kosher, Organic (US & EU standards), ISO9001/22000/14000/45001. End-to-end food safety from farm to table.
Innovation & Industry Leadership
Over 260 patent applications submitted with 97 patents granted and more than 70 core technologies developed. Actively participated in formulation of 1 international standard and over 30 national standards.
Contact Us
baolingbao@blb-cn.com

