In this paper, the effect of different concentrations of sucrose stress on color formation of the Staphylococcus xylosus (S. xylosus) was investigated. The results showed that the highest a* value and the best coloring effect similar to nitrite were observed after addition of 0.05 g/mL sucrose to stress the S. xylosus. UV-Vis and ESR spectra analysis showed that production of coloring product Mb-NO was significantly enhanced after 0.05 g/mL sucrose stress. The growth curve, reactive oxygen content, cell cycle, NOS activity, zeta potential, cell size and protein composition of S. xylosus were investigated to reveal the mechanism of sucrose stress to enhance the coloring effect of the strain. The result showed that sucrose inhibited the growth of the S. xylosus, which changed the physiological state by activating the oxidative stress response. The stress altered the rate of intracellular metabolism of S. xylosus by delaying the cell cycle, increasing cell surface zeta potential and cell particle size. These changes altered protein composition of the cells, and significantly enhanced activity of intracellular NOS, which could improve the chromogenic ability of S. xylosus. This study will provide theoretical support for sucrose stress on the S. xylosus to enhance its coloring effect, and sucrose stress for S. xylosus might be a promising biological alternative to nitrite in meat products.