FOS vs IMO: two prebiotics, different jobs
Both are prebiotic fibers with a touch of sweetness. The difference is in the source, the chain length and where each one actually performs in a product.
The comparison
| FOS | IMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Corn / chicory | Corn starch |
| Fiber content | ≥95% on solids | ≥90% on solids |
| Sweetness | Mild-moderate | Mild |
| Chain length | Short chain | Short-medium |
| Best form | Powder / syrup | Syrup / powder |
| Best role | Fiber fortification, clean label | Binder + fiber in bars, low-GI syrup |
Where each one wins
FOS — the fortification workhorse
FOS is the prebiotic you add to yogurt, bars and beverages to quietly raise the fiber number. It is transparent, mildly sweet, and disappears into the formula. At 95% on solids it is a concentrated fiber — a small dose moves the per-serving claim.
IMO — the binder that is also fiber
IMO is the prebiotic of the protein-bar aisle. Its syrup form binds a bar together, adds chew, and carries a fiber number at the same time. It is also the low-GI carbohydrate behind energy gels and functional drinks, where 'no maltitol' is a selling point.
The short version
Want to raise fiber without touching texture or taste? FOS. Want a syrup that binds a bar and carries fiber at once? IMO. Both ship organic certified, powder or syrup, with COA.