XOS Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
This FAQ section provides clear and reliable answers to the most common questions about Xylooligosaccharide (XOS), including its benefits, applications, specifications, production process, pricing, regulatory status, and technical performance in food, supplement, and feed formulations. Whether you are a product developer, procurement specialist, nutrition brand, or feed manufacturer, this page will help you understand how XOS works, how it is produced, and how to choose the right specification for your project.
What is Xylooligosaccharide (XOS)?
Xylooligosaccharide, also known as XOS or Xylo-oligosaccharide, is a prebiotic functional fiber produced from plant-based xylan. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and is widely used in functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements, FSMP, infant formula, and animal nutrition.
How is XOS produced?
XOS is typically produced through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of plant-derived xylan. High-purity specifications such as XOS Powder 95 percent or XOS Liquid 70 percent require advanced fermentation technology, multi-stage filtration, evaporation, and spray drying to ensure consistent quality.
What are the main benefits of XOS?
XOS supports gut health, improves intestinal flora balance, enhances immune function, promotes regular digestion, and supports metabolic wellness. It works effectively at low doses and is stable in heat and acidic conditions, making it suitable for a wide variety of food and supplement applications.
What industries commonly use XOS?
XOS is widely used in functional foods, beverages, prebiotic supplements, infant and maternal nutrition, FSMP, beauty-from-within products, and feed and pet nutrition. It is also applied in sugar-reduction formulations and high-fiber product development.
What are the available forms and specifications of XOS?
Common bulk specifications include Food Grade XOS Powder 95 percent, 70 percent, and 35 percent, Food Grade Liquid XOS 70 percent and 80 percent, and Feed Grade XOS Powder 35 percent. Customized liquid concentrations can also be produced based on customer requirements.
Is XOS safe for infants and children?
Yes. High-purity XOS is considered safe and is used in infant formula, pediatric nutrition, and maternal health products. It supports digestive comfort and microbiome development in early life stages.
What is the recommended dosage of XOS?
Typical intake levels range from 1 to 4 grams per day depending on the application, formulation goals, and regional regulatory guidelines. Lower doses can still deliver strong prebiotic effects due to the high potency of XOS.
Does XOS affect blood sugar levels?
XOS is a non-digestible carbohydrate and has little to no impact on blood glucose. It is suitable for low-sugar, sugar-free, ketogenic, weight-management, and diabetic-friendly formulations.
Can XOS withstand high-temperature food processing?
Yes. XOS is stable under high temperatures and low pH levels, which makes it suitable for baking, extrusion, pasteurization, UHT sterilization, and acidic beverage processing.
What is the shelf life of XOS?
XOS powder typically has a shelf life of 24 months when stored in a cool, dry environment. Liquid XOS products generally have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months depending on concentration and packaging.
What certifications are available for XOS from BSH Ingredients?
BSH Ingredients provides XOS with ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO22000, SQF, Halal, Kosher, BRC, and FDA IP Non GMO Supply Chain certifications. These documents support regulatory compliance and international market entry.
Do you provide samples for testing and formulation?
Yes. Sample quantities of XOS powders and liquids are available for R&D testing, stability evaluation, and formulation development. Technical support is provided to assist with application testing.
What packaging options are available for bulk XOS?
XOS powders are typically packaged in 20 kg or 25 kg bags or drums. Liquid XOS is supplied in blue HDPE drums or IBC totes. Customized packaging is available for large-volume customers.
Can XOS be used in animal feed?
Yes. Feed Grade XOS supports gut health, nutrient absorption, immunity, and growth performance in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and pets.
What factors influence the price of XOS in bulk?
XOS pricing depends on purity level, concentration, production method, packaging, market demand, and order volume. Higher specifications such as Food Grade XOS Powder 95 percent generally cost more due to stricter purification requirements. Market conditions, raw material availability, and export logistics also influence final pricing.
How does XOS compare to FOS and other prebiotics?
XOS is more potent at lower doses compared with FOS, GOS, and inulin. XOS selectively stimulates Bifidobacteria, remains stable during processing, and has minimal gas-producing side effects. FOS and inulin require higher usage levels to achieve similar prebiotic effects and may cause bloating in sensitive consumers.
What is the typical production process for XOS?
XOS is usually produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan from plant biomass. The process involves raw material extraction, enzymatic reaction, filtration, concentration, and either spray drying or liquid concentration. Quality control steps such as HPLC testing ensure accurate DP distribution and purity.
What is the difference between XOS powder and XOS liquid?
XOS powder is produced through spray drying and is ideal for dry blends, tablets, capsules, and powdered foods. XOS liquid is a syrup format used in beverages, yogurt, and liquid supplements. Liquid XOS can also be customized to different concentrations such as 70 percent or 80 percent.
Can XOS be combined with probiotics?
Yes. XOS works synergistically with probiotic strains such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Many supplement brands use XOS in synbiotic formulas to enhance the survival and effectiveness of probiotics.
Is XOS suitable for sugar-reduction formulas?
Yes. XOS is a low-calorie and low-glycemic ingredient that provides mild sweetness and functional fiber content. It fits well into sugar-free, low-sugar, and diabetic-friendly product lines.
Can XOS be used in high-temperature bakery applications?
Yes. XOS is heat stable and maintains its prebiotic activity during baking, extrusion, and high-temperature processing. It is often used in nutrition bars, baked snacks, and cereals.
What is the regulatory status of XOS in major markets?
XOS is approved or recognized as a safe ingredient in many regions. It is listed as a functional oligosaccharide in China, GRAS in the United States, and accepted in the EU as a dietary fiber ingredient depending on formulation and usage guidelines.
Is XOS non-GMO and allergen free?
Yes. XOS produced by BSH Ingredients is non-GMO, allergen free, and suitable for clean-label product claims. Certifications include FDA IP Non GMO Supply Chain, Halal, Kosher, BRC, and ISO systems.
Does XOS cause bloating or discomfort?
Generally no. XOS has better gastrointestinal tolerance compared with FOS or inulin because it is fermented more selectively. Most consumers experience minimal gas or digestive discomfort even at recommended doses.
How does XOS improve animal feed performance?
XOS supports beneficial microbiota, reduces harmful bacteria, improves nutrient absorption, and enhances feed conversion ratio. It is widely used in poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and pet food formulations.
Can BSH Ingredients customize XOS specifications?
Yes. Liquid XOS concentrations can be adjusted, and specific powder characteristics such as particle size or solubility can be modified on request. OEM customization is available for large-volume buyers.
What is the minimum order quantity for XOS?
MOQ generally starts from 500 kg for powders or one full drum for liquid XOS. Larger contracts may qualify for discounted pricing and customized packaging options.
Do you provide technical support for formulation?
Yes. BSH Ingredients provides formulation guidance, solubility testing, stability recommendations, and application support for beverages, supplements, functional foods, and feed products.