Streptococcus thermophilus powder

Streptococcus Thermophilus: High-Performance Probiotic & Starter Culture for Dairy & Health

Product Overview

Streptococcus thermophilus is a vital and globally utilized probiotic strain, serving as a primary starter culture for the dairy industry and a well-recognized ingredient for digestive wellness. Renowned for its rapid acid production and synergistic relationships with other bacteria, S. thermophilus is a cornerstone for producing yogurts, cheeses, and functional fermented foods. Beyond its technical role, it offers significant health benefits, including supporting lactose digestion and gut health. We supply high-viability, food-grade Streptococcus thermophilus in two potent specifications: 100 billion CFU and 200 billion CFU, catering to both fermentation and high-potency supplement applications.

Technical Advantages

Our Streptococcus thermophilus is selected for its exceptional performance, stability, and health-promoting properties:

Rapid Lactose Fermentation: Excellently converts lactose into lactic acid at elevated temperatures, ensuring efficient and predictable fermentation cycles for dairy production.

Powerful Symbiotic Synergy: Forms a classic symbiotic relationship with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in yogurt, significantly accelerating acid production and enhancing the final product's flavor, texture, and aroma.

Exopolysaccharide (EPS) Production: Certain strains produce EPS, which naturally improves the viscosity, texture, and mouthfeel of fermented products, reducing the need for stabilizers.

Dual-Potency for Flexible Formulation: Choose between 100B CFU for cost-effective fermentation and standard supplements, or 200B CFU for high-potency probiotic formulations requiring a guaranteed strong dose.

Survives Gastrointestinal Transit: While transient, viable S. thermophilus can survive stomach passage and contribute beneficial activity in the gut, including the production of the enzyme lactase.

Application Scenarios

Streptococcus thermophilus is incredibly versatile, with applications spanning industrial food production and human health:

Dairy Starter Cultures: The essential culture for yogurt, mozzarella cheese, and other fermented milk production.

Digestive Health Supplements: Used in probiotic capsules and powders, often in blends, to support lactose digestion and overall gut flora balance.

Functional Food & Beverage Fortification: Ideal for adding to yogurts, fermented drinks, and nutrition bars to boost their live and active probiotic content.

Lactose Digestion Support Products: A key ingredient in dietary supplements specifically designed to help individuals manage lactose intolerance.

Product Specifications

We provide Streptococcus thermophilus in two distinct CFU strengths to meet your specific production and formulation needs:

100 Billion CFU: The optimal choice for efficient dairy fermentation processes and standard probiotic dietary supplements.

200 Billion CFU: Designed for high-potency probiotic supplements and applications where a robust, guaranteed CFU count is critical for health claims.

Available in bulk frozen pellets or lyophilized powder. Customized formats and private labeling options are available. Contact us for detailed specifications and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Streptococcus thermophilus a true probiotic?

Yes, according to the FAO/WHO definition, S. thermophilus is a well-documented probiotic. When administered in adequate amounts, it confers a health benefit on the host, particularly for lactose digestion and gut health.

2. How does S. thermophilus help with lactose intolerance?

It produces the enzyme beta-galactosidase (lactase), which helps break down lactose in the digestive system, thereby reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

3. What is the difference between your 100B and 200B CFU options?

The 100B CFU is ideal for fermentation and standard supplements where bacteria will multiply. The 200B CFU is for high-potency supplements where a large dose is required at the time of consumption to ensure efficacy, without relying on in-product growth.

4. How does S. thermophilus differ from Lactobacillus strains?

While both are lactic acid bacteria, they belong to different genera. S. thermophilus is a Streptococcus and is known for its very rapid growth and acid production at high temperatures, making it indispensable for dairy fermentation.

5. Can S. thermophilus colonize the gut permanently?

No, it is generally considered a transient bacterium, meaning it passes through the digestive system. However, during its transit, it exerts beneficial effects like lactase production and interaction with the gut microbiota.

6. What is the shelf life and storage recommendation?

As a frozen pellet, the shelf life is 12 months at -45°C. In lyophilized powder form, the shelf life is 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place below 10°C. Specific recommendations depend on the format chosen.

7. Is your S. thermophilus strain non-GMO and allergen-free?

Yes, our Streptococcus thermophilus is non-GMO. It is typically grown on dairy-based media, but the final biomass contains minimal dairy residues. We can provide detailed allergen information and Certificates of Analysis.

8. Can it be used in non-dairy applications?

While its primary and most efficient application is in dairy, it can be incorporated into non-dairy fermented products. However, its performance and survival may vary, and we recommend conducting application-specific trials.

9. Do you provide phage-resistant strains?

Yes, we offer strains with defined phage resistance profiles, which is a critical feature for industrial dairy producers to ensure fermentation consistency and avoid production failures.

10. Can it be combined with other probiotics?

Absolutely. It is most famously paired with L. bulgaricus for yogurt. It also combines well with other probiotics like L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium species in multi-strain supplements for comprehensive gut health support.