Fructose Discs are used to differentiate bacteria based on the fructose fermentation ability. Microorganisms can only ferment certain carbohydrates, depending on the enzymes they possess to break down carbohydrates. Fermentation can be detected by gas production (CO₂) in liquid media and/or color change of pH caused by acid production. The fructose discs are aseptically added to any sugar-free basal media to test the ability of the organism to hydrolyze fructose, a ketonic dietary monosaccharide, as the sole source of carbon and energy during fermentation. Fructose is typically fermented under acid production by many Enterobacter and coliform bacteria.

Fructose Discs are recommended to detect fructose fermenting bacteria in food and environmental samples. They find their application in various sectors such as the food and dairy industry, water industry, pharmaceutical laboratory testing, cosmetic industry, environmental and sanitary testing, clinical diagnostic, etc.