Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria inhabit fructose-rich niches in nature.

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a special group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which prefer fructose but not glucose as growth substrate. They are found in fructose-rich niches, e.g. flowers, fruits, and fermented foods made from fruits. Quite recently, they were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals consuming fructose, which were bumblebees, tropical fruit flies, and Camponotus ants. These suggest that all natural sources that are rich in fructose are possible their habitats. Fructobacillus spp., formerly classified as Leuconostoc spp., are representatives of these microorganisms, and Lactobacillus kunkeei has also been classified as FLAB. They share several unique biochemical characteristics, which have not been found in LAB inhabited in other niches. FLAB grow well on fructose but very poor on glucose. These organisms grow well on glucose only when external electron accepters, e.g. pyruvate or oxygen, are available. LAB have been shown to have specific evolution to adapt to their niches and have several niche-specific characteristics. FLAB must have fructophilic evolution during adaptation to fructose-rich niches. FLAB are unique food-related LAB, suggesting a great potential for future food and feed applications.