Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) Market Size - By Form, Source, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Market Size

The global short-chain fructooligosaccharides market size was valued at USD 801.1 million in 2024 and is projected to expand at over 7.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Short-chain fructooligosaccharides are prebiotic fibers gaining traction in the food and beverage industry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the consumption of dietary fiber, including prebiotics like scFOS, increased by 7.3% from 2021 to 2022 among American adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a 12.5% rise in food products containing prebiotic ingredients in 2022 compared to 2021.
 

Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) noted a 15.8% increase in research funding for studies on prebiotics and gut health in fiscal year 2022. These trends indicate growing consumer awareness and industry interest in scFOS and similar prebiotic fibers, driven by their potential benefits for digestive health, immune support, and weight management. The expanding application of scFOS in functional foods, dietary supplements, and infant formula further underscores its importance in the evolving landscape of nutrition and health.
 

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Market Trends

The short-chain fructooligosaccharides industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and demand for prebiotic-rich functional foods. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the overall functional food market, which includes prebiotic ingredients like scFOS, grew by 6.8% in 2021. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a 12.3% increase in prebiotic-related product applications in 2022 compared to the previous year.
 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) noted a 9.5% rise in scientific opinions requested for prebiotic ingredients, including scFOS, between 2021 and 2023. The market is characterized by the incorporation of scFOS in plant-based and clean-label products, aligning with consumer preferences for natural and sustainable ingredients. Expanding applications in infant formula, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements highlight scFOS's versatility.
 

Ongoing research into scFOS's potential benefits in immunity, metabolism, and weight management is creating new opportunities, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reporting a 15.2% increase in scFOS-related research funding from 2021 to 2023. The food and beverage industry's focus on innovation and the rising popularity of fortified foods further propel the market growth.
 

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Market Analysis

The short-chain fructooligosaccharides industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing consumer interest in digestive health and demand for natural, functional ingredients. Manufacturers are expanding the applications of scFOS in functional foods, dietary supplements, and infant nutrition, capitalizing on its prebiotic benefits. The market's growth aligns with clean-label and plant-based trends, meeting consumer preferences for sustainable and minimally processed products. Ongoing research into the broader health benefits of scFOS, including immune support and metabolic health, is creating new market opportunities. While production costs present challenges, continued innovation in manufacturing processes and product development is supporting market expansion.

The short-chain fructooligosaccharides market from powder segment held over USD 567.3 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of over 7.2% during the forecast period, due to its versatility and ease of incorporation into various products. Powdered scFOS is widely used in functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and infant nutrition, offering superior solubility and stability. Its compatibility with dry formulations and ability to blend seamlessly into powders, tablets, and capsules make it ideal for diverse applications.
 

The growing demand for prebiotic-rich health products, combined with consumer preferences for convenient formats, drives the expansion of the powder segment. Additionally, its long shelf life and ease of transportation further enhance its market appeal and scope.
 

The sucrose segment accounted for 54.7% of the market share in 2024. It segment plays a vital role in the short-chain fructooligosaccharides market, serving as a key raw material for scFOS production through enzymatic conversion. Its abundant availability and cost-effectiveness make sucrose a preferred choice for manufacturers, ensuring scalability and economic feasibility. The segment's scope is expanding with the growing demand for prebiotics in functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.
 

As consumer focus shifts toward natural and plant-based ingredients, sucrose-derived scFOS gains prominence for its clean-label and sustainable appeal. Innovations in production processes are further enhancing its efficiency, positioning sucrose as a cornerstone in the expanding scFOS market.
 

The short-chain fructooligosaccharides market size from the food & beverages segment is anticipated to experience around 7.1% CAGR during 2025 to 2034 with a market size of USD 314.4 million in 2024, driven by increasing consumer demand for functional and health-oriented products. scFOS are widely used in bakery products, dairy items, beverages, and snacks due to their prebiotic benefits, low-calorie content, and ability to enhance taste and texture.
 

Their role in gut health, immunity support, and sugar reduction makes them a preferred ingredient in health-focused formulations. The rising popularity of clean-label, plant-based, and fortified foods further boosts their adoption. Innovation in product development and increasing awareness of scFOS's nutritional benefits expand their applications in this dynamic segment.
 

The Germany short-chain fructooligosaccharides market size held over USD 88.1 million in 2024 and expected to witness over 6.7% CAGR through 2034, due to increasing consumer awareness of gut health and functional nutrition. With a strong demand for clean-label, plant-based, and health-oriented products, scFOS is widely used in the country's food and beverage sector, particularly in dairy products, baked goods, and beverages.
 

Germany’s advanced research infrastructure supports innovation in prebiotic applications, expanding scFOS use in dietary supplements and infant formula. The focus on reducing sugar in food formulations aligns with scFOS's low-calorie benefits, driving its adoption. Regulatory support for prebiotics further strengthens market prospects, making Germany a key player in Europe’s scFOS landscape.
 

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Market Share

Market players in the short-chain fructooligosaccharides industry are adopting strategies focused on innovation, partnerships, and sustainability. Companies are investing in advanced fermentation technologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. Product diversification, including clean-label and plant-based formulations, is a key approach to meeting evolving consumer preferences.
 

Collaborations with food and beverage manufacturers are enabling the integration of scFOS into functional and fortified products. Market players are also expanding their presence through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to strengthen distribution networks. Emphasis on research and development is driving the discovery of new applications, such as gut health and immunity.
 

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Market Companies

Major players operating in the short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) industry are:

• Alkem Labs
• Baolingbao Biology
• BENEO GmbH
• Cargill Incorporated
• Cosucra
• Galam Ltd
• Ingredion
• Jarrow Formulas
• Nutriagaves Group
• Sensus (part of Royal Cosun)
• Tata Chemicals
• Tereos
   

Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides Industry News

• In September 2023: Beneo, a leading producer of scFOS, announces the launch of its new Beneo Orafti scFOS 95HP, a high purity scFOS ingredient with a minimum purity of 95%.
   
• In August 2023: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of scFOS as a dietary fiber in food and beverage.
   

This short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder

Market, By Source

• Inulin
• Sucrose

Market, By Application

• Food & beverages
• Infant formula
• Dietary supplements
• Animal feed
• Pharmaceuticals

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa