For purposes of interpreting this specification, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. 

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. The present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. 

The inventors of the present invention have developed a new prebiotic food. In preferred embodiments the prebiotic food is sugar cane bagasse, which has not previously been identified as having a prebiotic effect. Significant amounts of bagasse are produced during sugar production and are currently not used in food preparation. The identification of a new use for the product is of significance. 

A further advance is the preparation of prebiotic sugars. As many popular foods, particularly foods with high sugar content, have a less than ideal impact on to the gastro-intestinal microbiome, the preparation of prebiotic sugars is a highly significant advance. The prebiotic sugars of the invention provide sugar substitutes that avoid one of the less desirable aspects of sugar and introduce a desirable prebiotic effect into sugars that will increase the health benefits of foods comprising the prebiotic sugars. 

The sugars of the present invention are also of reduced bioavailability meaning that less of the calories in the sugar are absorbed by the mammal consuming the sugar. This is also a significant advance that improves the health profile of sugar containing foods including by minimising the risk of diabetes and obesity from frequent consumption of said foods. 

As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. 

The term “amorphous” refers to a solid that is largely amorphous, that is, largely without crystalline structure. For example, the solid could be 80% or more amorphous, 90% or more amorphous, 95% or more amorphous or about 100% amorphous. 

The term “bagasse” refers to the fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane or sorghum stalks or sugar beets are crushed to extract sugar cane juice. Bagasse is currently used as a biofuel and in the manufacture of pulp, paper and building materials. Optionally, the bagasse of the invention is sugarcane bagasse or sugar beet bagasse. 

