We offer certified organic isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in two versatile formats:
- Organic IMO Powder – free-flowing, low-moisture solid
- Organic IMO Syrup – viscous, pourable liquid
Both are produced from non-GMO, organically grown corn or tapioca starch via enzymatic hydrolysis and transglycosylation using food-grade enzymes—free from acid processing, sulfites, synthetic additives, or chemical modification. With a mild sweetness (~50–60% of sucrose), low glycemic impact, and proven prebiotic activity, organic IMO delivers dual functionality as a soluble dietary fiber and clean-label sweetener.
What Is Organic IMO?
Isomaltooligosaccharides are short-chain carbohydrates primarily composed of isomaltose, panose, and isomaltotriose, linked by α-1,6 glycosidic bonds that resist digestion in the upper GI tract. Our organic IMO is manufactured under strict organic protocols, yielding a product rich in non-digestible oligosaccharides that selectively feed beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
The powder form is created by spray-drying the syrup, making it ideal for dry applications, while the syrup offers superior binding and humectant properties for moist formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Organic IMO Powder | Organic IMO Syrup |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Form | White to off-white free-flowing powder | Clear to light amber viscous liquid |
| Solids (Dry Matter) | ≥97% | 75–80% |
| Moisture Content | ≤3% | 20–25% |
| Sweetness (vs. Sucrose) | ~50–60% | ~50–60% |
| Bulk Density | 0.60 – 0.80 g/mL | N/A (liquid) |
| Viscosity | N/A | Medium to high (adjustable upon request) |
| Source | Organic corn or tapioca (as specified) | Organic corn or tapioca |
| Total IMO Content | ≥90% (dry basis, HPLC) | ≥90% (dry solids basis) |
| Dietary Fiber (AOAC 2001.03) | ≥85% | ≥65% (as-is basis) |
| DE Value | <10 | <10 |
| pH (10% solution) | 4.5 – 6.5 | 4.5 – 6.5 |
| Ash Content | ≤0.5% | ≤0.5% |
| Residual Glucose + Maltose | ≤5.0% | ≤5.0% |
| Heavy Metals | Pb ≤0.1 mg/kg; As ≤0.1 mg/kg; Cd ≤0.05 mg/kg; Hg ≤0.01 mg/kg | Same |
| Microbiological Criteria | TPC ≤1,000 CFU/g; Yeast/Mold ≤100 CFU/g; E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria: Absent | Same |
| Allergen Status | Gluten-Free (<5 ppm), Soy-Free, Dairy-Free | Same |
| Certifications | USDA Organic, EU Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Halal (available), Gluten-Free Certified |
Analytical methods: HPLC for IMO profile; AOAC 2001.03 for total dietary fiber. Complies with FDA GRAS, EU Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011, and Codex standards.
Sourcing, Certification and Regulatory Status
| Jurisdiction / Standard | Regulatory status | Legal name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Permitted as a conventional food ingredient | Isomaltooligosaccharide, IMO | Fiber declaration supported by AOAC 2001.03; no GRAS notification required for the standard grade |
| European Union | Regulated as a food ingredient | Isomaltooligosaccharides | Organic certification to (EU) 2018/848; fiber claim available at ≥3 g per 100 g |
| Japan | Established functional ingredient | Isomaltooligosaccharide | Long commercial history in beverages and supplements |
| Codex Alimentarius | Codex Stan 290 compliant | Isomaltooligosaccharides | Single specification supports multi-market labeling |
Because the syrup and the powder carry different solids and fiber values, the certificate of analysis states the format, the total IMO content by HPLC and the fiber result separately. That keeps the label claim defensible in markets that measure fiber by different methods.
Applications by Format
Organic IMO Powder
- Protein & energy bars (binds ingredients, adds fiber)
- Meal replacement powders and nutritional shakes
- Baking (replaces sugar partially, retains moisture)
- Tablet/capsule excipient in supplements
Organic IMO Syrup
- Soft chews, gummies, and confectionery (plasticity & shine)
- Fruit fillings, jams, and dessert sauces
- Fermented beverages (prebiotic base for kombucha/probiotics)
- Ice cream and dairy alternatives (controls crystallization)
Format and Grade Selection
| Application | Recommended format | Typical use level | Formulation note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cereal bars and protein bars | Powder | 4–10 g per bar | Tolerates the low water activity of a baked bar |
| Capsules and tablets | Powder | 300–700 mg per dose | Free-flowing; no additional glidant needed at normal doses |
| Functional beverages | Syrup | 3–8 g per serving | Sweetness contribution is roughly 40–50% of sucrose |
| Gummies and chews | Syrup | 6–20% of the syrup weight | Works with gelatin and pectin systems alike |
| Powdered drink mixes | Powder | 3–6 g per sachet | Dissolves clear with gentle agitation |
| Dairy alternatives | Syrup or powder | 1.5–4 g per 100 g | Stable through the usual heat treatment |
Start from the fiber claim you intend to make, then work backwards to the dose. A 3 g claim is comfortably met with either format; a 5 g or higher claim usually favors the powder, because the syrup would add more water and sweetness than the recipe can absorb.
IMO Spelling Variants: Isomaltooligosaccharides, Isomalto-Oligosaccharide and Oligo-Isomaltose
Isomaltooligosaccharides, also called isomalto-oligosaccharide or IMO, is a prebiotic oligosaccharide made by enzymatic conversion of corn starch. The three names refer to the same ingredient, and all three appear in specifications, supplier catalogues and purchase orders across different markets. The short form IMO is the most common in technical documents, while the full name isomaltooligosaccharides is the one that appears on finished product specifications and certificates of analysis.
A third form, oligo-isomaltose syrup, is used when the material is supplied as a liquid rather than as a powder. It is the same carbohydrate chain, sold at a different concentration and with a different moisture profile, and it is the form usually chosen when a prebiotic syrup is needed for a beverage or a syrup line rather than a dry mix. When comparing suppliers, the important point is that the name on the order does not change the specification: what matters is the degree of polymerisation, the dry substance content and the residual glucose and maltose levels.
The practical consequence for a buyer is that quotations are easier to compare once the naming is aligned. A request written as organic IMO, a request written as organic isomaltooligosaccharides and a request written as organic isomalto-oligosaccharide powder refer to the same product, and the difference in the three quotations is usually only the powder or syrup format, the DE or DP range and the packing rather than a difference in the material itself.
Why Choose Our Organic IMO?
Our production uses only certified organic starch and enzyme-based biotransformation—no acid hydrolysis, bleaching, or synthetic anti-caking agents. We maintain full traceability from farm to finished product and offer both corn-based and tapioca-based options to meet allergen and sourcing preferences.
Every batch includes comprehensive documentation: Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Organic Certificate, Dietary Fiber Report, Allergen Statement, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Packing
Available packaging:
- Powder: 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liner
- Syrup: 25 kg food-grade HDPE pails or 1,000 kg IBC totes
- Custom packaging available upon request
Also Known As: Names and Synonyms in the Trade
Isomaltooligosaccharides appear in specifications and purchase orders under several abbreviations and spelling variants. The entries below are the forms most often used by formulators, procurement teams and label reviewers.
- Isomalto-oligosaccharides – the hyphenated form common in scientific and Japanese literature
- IMO-900 / IMO-90 – trade designations for the 90% powder grade
- Branched oligosaccharide – the structural description
- α-Glucooligosaccharide – the IUPAC-style classification
- Isomaltose oligosaccharide – a variant used in some regulatory filings
- Oligo-isomaltose – the older naming convention
- Corn IMO / Tapioca IMO – source-qualified names used in ingredient decks
- Prebiotic oligosaccharide – the functional claim name
The suffix matters for labeling. An isomaltooligosaccharide is a mixture of short glucose chains with α-1,6 linkages, and its fiber content is measured by AOAC 2001.03, not by the sugar profile. Two suppliers can both quote “IMO 900” and still differ in total IMO content, residual glucose and maltose, and water activity, so a specification comparison is worth more than a name comparison.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary benefit of using Organic Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO) in products?
A: The primary benefit is its role as a prebiotic fiber. It selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome, which in turn supports digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. Additionally, it offers a pleasant, mild sweetness with fewer calories than sugar.
Q: What’s the typical shelf life and recommended storage for bulk quantities?
A: Our Organic IMO Powder typically has a shelf life of 24 months, and Organic IMO Syrup typically has a shelf life of 12-18 months from the manufacturing date. Both should be stored in a cool, dry place (below 75°F / 24°C), away from direct sunlight and moisture, in their original sealed, airtight packaging.
Q: Is Organic IMO suitable for keto or low-carb diets?
A: While IMO is a carbohydrate, a significant portion passes through the digestive system as fiber and is not fully metabolized for energy, resulting in a lower net carb count than traditional sugars. However, for strict keto diets, it’s essential to consider its impact based on the specific formulation and target audience.
Q: Is your Organic IMO produced from non-GMO sources?
A: Yes, as a certified organic product, our Organic IMO is inherently Non-GMO, as it is derived from organically cultivated tapioca or corn starches.
Q: Is IMO the same as isomalto-oligosaccharide?
A: Yes, they are the same ingredient under different names. Isomaltooligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharide and IMO all refer to a prebiotic oligosaccharide produced by enzymatic conversion of corn starch. The full name is the one used on specifications and certificates of analysis.
Q: What is oligo-isomaltose syrup?
A: It is the same carbohydrate chain supplied as a liquid rather than as a powder, with a different dry substance and moisture profile. It is the form normally specified when a prebiotic syrup is needed for a beverage or syrup line rather than a dry mix.
Q: What is the DP range of the IMO you supply?
A: The degree of polymerisation and the residual glucose and maltose levels are confirmed per order and stated on the certificate of analysis for the batch. Buyers who need a fixed chain profile should specify the DP range on the order rather than relying on a product name.
