Structural characteristics of oligosaccharides from soy sauce lees and their potential prebiotic effect on lactic acid bacteria

► Xylose and mannose constructed the molecular chain of SSLO. ► A dose-dependent behaviour was observed for the prebiotic effect of SSLO. ► SSLO had a poor DPPH radical scavenging activity. ► The prebiotic effect of SSLO was not correlated with antioxidant activity.