Application of Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) in Candy and Chewing Gum
Promotes beneficial bifidobacteria growth selectively
Sweetness approximately fifty to sixty percent sucrose
Excellent thermal stability and moisture retention
Caloric value at half of sucrose
Application of Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) in Candy and Chewing Gum
What is Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide?
Functional Candy, Prebiotic Fiber
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) is a product obtained from starch or starch-based raw materials through enzymatic conversion, refining, and concentration processes. Its main components are isomaltose, panose, isomaltotriose and higher oligosaccharides linked by alpha-1,6-glycosidic bonds. It appears as a white to light yellow powder with a sweetness approximately 50%~60% that of sucrose.
Combining sweetening properties, dietary fiber content, and significant digestive health benefits, IMO is a widely used functional sweetening ingredient in the food industry. Its unique properties make it ideal for health-conscious consumers and innovative food manufacturers seeking to create products that taste exceptional while meeting nutritional goals.
Unlike artificial sweeteners, IMO provides natural sweetness with clean taste profiles, making it perfect for clean label formulations that consumers trust and prefer.
Health Benefits
Prebiotic Effect
IMO is not decomposed by human gastric acid and digestive enzymes. It reaches the large intestine intact, where it is selectively fermented by beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria, promoting the proliferation of intestinal probiotics and improving gut microbiome balance.
Tooth-Friendly
Not fermented by cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, it does not produce acidic substances that erode tooth enamel and does not cause dental caries, making it suitable for individuals concerned about oral health.
Low-Calorie Properties
With a caloric value of only 50%~60% of sucrose, it helps reduce the total caloric content of foods, suitable for weight management purposes.
Mineral Absorption Promotion
It can enhance the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals, particularly improving calcium absorption rate, which contributes to bone health.
Application Advantages
Optimized Formulation
Its natural sweetening properties allow it to replace a portion of sucrose, reducing product calories while maintaining a pleasant sweetness experience, making it suitable for developing low-sugar or reduced-sugar candy products.
Functional Food Upgrade
Its prebiotic function provides a core selling point for functional candies, enabling the upgrade of traditional leisure snacks into functional foods with digestive health benefits.
Anti-Caries Value
IMO is not fermented by oral bacteria and does not cause dental caries, making it particularly suitable for children's candy and oral health product development.
Process Stability
Its excellent thermal stability and moisture retention properties allow it to perform reliably across various candy processing techniques including hard candy and gummy production, contributing to extended shelf life and consistent texture.
Real-World Applications
Product Information
Brand: Koochikoo | Company: Excel Trade
Sugar-free, low calorie, vegan, and vitamin-fortified lollipops launched in April 2025. Designed as a clean-label children's product using natural plant-based colors.
Key Ingredients
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide Value
Complete Sucrose Replacement: Serves as the core sweetening source, providing a sweetness experience close to sugar while achieving zero sugar and low calories.
Anti-Caries Sucking Security: Resistance to fermentation by oral bacteria ensures that this long-lasting sucking candy is tooth-friendly for children.
Digestive Health Fortification: Its natural prebiotic function adds measurable digestive health value to this children-oriented functional product.
Product Information
Brand: You Ci / Great Choice | Company: Pupu Supermarket
A health-oriented upgrade of traditional Chinese nougat launched in January 2025, featuring a high protein formulation with no preservatives.
Key Ingredients
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide Value
Low-Sugar Matrix Transformation: Replaces white sugar and malt syrup, reducing the sugar content to only 3.5g per 100g for a healthy low-sugar profile.
Synbiotic Synergy Extension: Provides a vital fermentation substrate for probiotics, extending their activity duration in the gut via a synbiotic concept.
Texture & Moisture Retention: Its excellent moisture retention properties help maintain the soft texture of the nougat and extend its commercial shelf life.
Product Information
Brand: Seolarae | Company: Seolarae
HACCP certified traditional wellness candy launched in September 2025, incorporating Andong red ginger and Sobaeksan ginger extract as core components.
Key Ingredients
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide Value
High-Temperature Cooking Stability: Demonstrates excellent thermal stability during hard candy cooking, maintaining functional activity without degradation.
Flavor Profile Balancing: Mild sweetness provides a clean base that allows the spicy red ginger and tart lemon notes to be fully expressed.
Wellness Synergy Integration: Prebiotic function complements the warming properties of ginger and jujube juice, elevating the product into functional wellness.
Product Information
Brand: Tweek Sweets with Benefits | Company: Tweek
Health-oriented Nordic salty licorice gummies repackaged in February 2024, featuring no added sugar, all-natural flavors, and eco-friendly recyclable packaging.
Key Ingredients
Imorawel™Isomaltooligosaccharide Value
Dual Fiber Caloric Optimization: Works alongside polydextrose to achieve 46g fiber per 100g while keeping calories at only 156kcal per 100g.
Flavor Complexity Modification: Balances the intense saltiness of ammonium chloride and the bittersweet licorice notes to create a richer profile.
Chewy Texture Maintenance: Strong prebiotic functions add gut health value while its moisture retention properties maintain the soft, chewy texture.
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
