Used in research and development within the field of prebiotics and functional foods due to its ability to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It serves as a model compound for studying carbohydrate digestion and fermentation in the human intestine. Also utilized in the production of low-calorie sweeteners and dietary supplements aimed at improving digestive health. Its structural properties make it valuable in enzymatic studies, particularly for analyzing the activity of glycoside hydrolases involved in breaking down complex sugars.