Purification of fructooligosaccharides by immobilized yeast cells and identification of ethyl β-d-fructofuranoside as a novel glycoside formed during the process

► Screening and identification of Wickerhamomyces anomala for selective utilization of fructooligosaccharides (FOSs). ► The FOS purity increased from 54.4% to 80.1% after incubation with immobilized yeast cells. ► The immobilized yeast cells could be recycled for 10 batch treatments with FOS purities remaining at around 80%. ► A novel byproduct by the yeast was identified as ethyl β-d-fructofuranoside.