What is isomalto-oligosaccharide?
Isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) is a type of carbohydrate composed of a short chain of monosaccharides (3 to 9 molecules). This unique structure allows IMO to be slowly digested, providing a sweet taste and offering prebiotic benefits. Due to these beneficial properties, IMO is often used as a sugar substitute in various diet products.

How is isomalto-oligosaccharide made?
Isomalto-oligosaccharide is made from corn. The production process begins with milling the corn kernels and mixing them with water. This mixture is then centrifuged to release the starch. Enzymes are used to break down the starch into shorter chains of monosaccharides, resulting in IMO. The mixture is then purified and used as a powder or syrup in a variety of food products.

What are the benefits of isomalto-oligosaccharide?
One of the key benefits of IMO is its ability to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is essential for healthy digestion. IMO is also only half as sweet as sugar and is not fully digestible by the human body. This means it provides roughly half the calories of sugar and has a lower glycemic index, making it less impactful on blood sugar levels compared to glucose or regular sugar.

IMO serves as an excellent sugar substitute, often used to lower the calorie content in foods. Because IMO is not fully absorbed by the body, it has prebiotic properties and functions similarly to dietary fiber. Fiber is a crucial nutrient that aids digestion, provides a sense of fullness, and helps reduce the risk of various conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

At Green Sweet, isomalto-oligosaccharide is a key ingredient in our plant-based syrups and honey alternatives. By adding a small amount of steviol glycosides, the sweetest and purest part of the stevia plant, we create a perfect substitute for traditional honey and syrup. These products contain significantly fewer calories while still delivering a full, sweet taste.

Herbaland’s superfood gummies are also sweetened with isomalto-oligosaccharides, erythritol, and steviol glycosides. This combination provides a delightful, sweet flavor and the best gummy-texture. As a result, the superfood gummies are 100% natural, high in fiber, and contain no added sugars. Unlike sugar-free sweets based on maltitol, you can enjoy these delicious 'snacks with benefits' indefinitely.

Do you want to know more about our honey and syrups? Click here
Curious about the four different superfood gummies from Herbaland? Discover them here!

Sanne van Erp, dietitian at Green Sweet