Isomalto Oligosaccharides
Isomalto-Oligosaccharides (IMO) is a natural,soluble prebiotic fiber that has emerged as a highly versatile ingredient in the global snack industry, valued for its unique combination of gut health benefits, functional flexibility, and consumer-friendly properties. Derived from starch (typically corn, tapioca, or wheat) through enzymatic conversion, IMO stands out among prebiotics for its close resemblance to sugar in taste and texture, making it an ideal replacement for added sugars in snacks—without compromising on sweetness or mouthfeel. This, paired with its robust prebiotic effects, positions IMO as a top choice for manufacturers aiming to create healthier, more functional snacks that appeal to a broad audience.
Product Applications: Global Snack Products Enhanced with Isomalto-Oligosaccharides (IMO)
IMO’s ability to mimic sugar’s taste and texture while adding prebiotic benefits has made it a favorite among snack manufacturers worldwide. Below are 5 standout examples from different countries, showcasing how IMO elevates the nutritional value and consumer appeal of diverse snack categories—from sweet treats to savory bites.
United States: Kind “IMO-Infused Fruit & Nut Bars” (Apple Cinnamon Flavor)
Kind, a leading U.S. brand specializing in healthy snack bars, incorporates IMO into its “Fruit & Nut Bars” (Apple Cinnamon flavor) to create a balanced, on-the-go option. The bar uses IMO derived from non-GMO corn starch to replace 30% of the added sugar, reducing total sugar content by 25% while maintaining a natural, sweet flavor that complements the apple and cinnamon. Each serving contains 2g of prebiotic fiber from IMO, supporting gut health, and 5g of protein from nuts—appealing to busy professionals and fitness enthusiasts seeking sustained energy.
IMO also acts as a binder in the bar, holding together the oats, dried apples, almonds, and cinnamon without the need for artificial gums. Kind markets the product as “Sweetened with Prebiotics” and positions it in the health snack sections of major U.S. retailers (e.g., Target, Kroger). This application demonstrates IMO’s ability to enhance both the nutritional profile and texture of grab-and-go bars, proving that healthy snacks can still be indulgent.
Japan: Meiji “IMO Gummy Bears” (Mixed Fruit Flavor)
Meiji, a renowned Japanese food brand, leverages IMO in its “IMO Gummy Bears” (Mixed Fruit Flavor)—a popular confectionery snack certified under Japan’s FOSHU program for gut health benefits. The gummies use IMO derived from tapioca starch to replace 40% of the sugar, resulting in a lower-calorie (80 kcal per 20g serving) option that still delivers the chewy, fruity texture consumers love. Each serving provides 1.5g of prebiotic fiber from IMO, with the packaging highlighting its role in “supporting intestinal health.”
Unlike artificial sweeteners that can leave a bitter aftertaste, IMO’s clean sweetness enhances the natural fruit flavors (strawberry, orange, grape) of the gummies. The product is a top-seller in Japanese convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and appeals to both children and adults seeking a guilt-free sweet treat. This application showcases IMO’s compatibility with confectionery, a category traditionally challenging to “healthify” without sacrificing taste.
Germany: Ritter Sport “IMO Dark Chocolate” (70% Cocoa)
Ritter Sport, a leading German chocolate brand, uses IMO in its “IMO Dark Chocolate” (70% Cocoa) to create a healthier version of its iconic chocolate bar. The chocolate replaces 25% of the sugar with IMO derived from wheat starch, reducing total sugar content while maintaining a rich, smooth texture. Each 30g serving contains 1.8g of prebiotic fiber from IMO and is high in cocoa solids—appealing to chocolate lovers seeking a more nutritious option.
IMO prevents the chocolate from becoming too bitter (a common issue with low-sugar dark chocolate) by adding a subtle sweetness that balances the cocoa’s intensity. Ritter Sport markets the product as “Dark Chocolate with Prebiotics” and sells it in organic and health food sections of German supermarkets (e.g., Albert Heijn, Rewe). This application highlights IMO’s versatility in indulgent snacks, proving that even chocolate can be enhanced with gut-friendly benefits.
Brazil: Nestlé “IMO Wafer Rolls” (Vanilla Flavor)
Nestlé Brazil incorporates IMO into its “Wafer Rolls” (Vanilla Flavor) to cater to consumers seeking a lighter, more functional snack. The wafer rolls use IMO derived from corn starch to replace 35% of the sugar in the vanilla cream filling, cutting calorie content by 20% while adding 1.2g of prebiotic fiber per serving. IMO also improves the cream’s smoothness, preventing it from drying out and ensuring a consistent texture in every bite.
Nestlé markets the product as “Wafer Rolls with Prebiotics” and positions it in the snack aisles of major Brazilian retailers (e.g., Carrefour, Extra). The wafer rolls appeal to families and busy individuals seeking a sweet snack that aligns with their health goals, without compromising on the crispy, creamy texture they love. This application demonstrates IMO’s adaptability to baked snacks, a category where texture and sweetness are critical to consumer satisfaction.
Australia: Arnott’s “IMO Sourdough Crackers” (Sea Salt Flavor)
Arnott’s, Australia’s iconic biscuit brand, enhances its “Sourdough Crackers” (Sea Salt Flavor) with IMO to create a savory snack with added gut benefits. The crackers use IMO derived from tapioca starch to replace a portion of the wheat starch, adding 1g of prebiotic fiber per serving while maintaining a crisp, crunchy texture. Unlike some fibers that can make savory snacks taste “starchy,” IMO blends seamlessly into the dough, allowing the tangy sourdough and subtle sea salt flavors to shine.
Arnott’s markets the product as “Gut-Friendly Sourdough Crackers” and sells it in major Australian supermarkets (e.g., Coles, Woolworths). The crackers appeal to consumers looking to add prebiotic benefits to their daily snacks—whether paired with cheese, dips, or eaten on their own. This application showcases IMO’s versatility in savory snacks, a category often overlooked for prebiotic fortification, and proves that gut health benefits aren’t limited to sweet treats.
Packaging & Shipping:
We usually use bulk cargo, tank trucks, container transportation. We will arrange the most cost-effective shipping method according to the quantity of products. All products will be re-inspected before shipping. We guarantee that all products are strictly inspected and in good condition before shipment, and we strive for 100% customer satisfaction in every sale completed. The packaging is standard export packing, or customized packaging according to your requirements, professional cargo transportation agent.
Sales Service:
Pre-sales service: Provide application solution support for customers before purchasing to help customers understand products and applications.
Product consultation: Answer customers' questions about product functions, features, prices, usage and other questions in detail.
Demand analysis: Recommend suitable product solutions based on the customer's industry, scenarios, pain points, etc.
Information provision: such as product manuals, case studies, quotations, etc., to assist customers in decision-making.
In-sale service: Provide convenience and support to customers during the transaction process to ensure smooth transactions.
Order processing: Quickly and accurately enter order information to confirm product specifications, quantities, delivery dates, etc.
Payment guidance: Assist customers in completing the payment process and answer questions about payment methods and invoicing.
Progress communication: Timely feedback to customers on order processing progress, logistics information, etc., so that customers can rest assured.
After-Sales Service: Ongoing support provided to customers after the transaction is completed, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Return and exchange processing: Handle the return and exchange procedures for customers in accordance with regulations to reduce customer worries.
Customer return visits: understand customer usage, collect feedback, and provide basis for product improvement and service optimization.
Company Introduction:
Founded in 1997, Bowlingbao Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has always focused on modern bioengineering technologies such as enzyme engineering and fermentation engineering, engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and program services of functional sugars, and is a national key high-tech enterprise led by bioengineering, a national key leading enterprise in agricultural industrialization, a national manufacturing single champion enterprise, a national high-tech zone, and a national high-tech biological industry base core and backbone enterprise. In 2009, the company was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, becoming the first A-share listed company in China with the stock code: 002286.
The pioneer and leader of China's functional sugar industry, adheres to the restoration of traditional medical and nursing wisdom with modern biotechnology, serves the big health industry, and has the ability to manufacture and serve all categories of functional sugar. A leading global provider of functional health solutions.
Product Catalog:
Starch sugar: solid corn syrup, waxy corn starch, maltodextrin, malto-oligosaccharides, fructose syrup, maltose
Dietary fiber: polydextrose, resistant dextrin, water-soluble corn fiber
Prebiotics: isomalto-oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, Galactooligosaccharide, breast milk oligosaccharides, isomerized lactose
Sugar alcohols and new sugar sources: allulose, erythritol, crystalline fructose, compound sweeteners, trehalose
Modified starch: special for yogurt, special for sauce, special for baking fillings, special special for baked products, special special for flour products, special special for meat products
Functional lipids: DHA algae powder, DHA algae oil, DHA algae oil crude oil
