The invention relates to a food additive, in particular for food products such as dressings, mayonnaises, spreads or other food products having a reduced fat content. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the food additive and to its use in the preparation of food products. It has been found that a method according to the present invention allows the preparation of a food additive suitable for use as a whitener and/or a fat/protein substitute, depending on the manner in which the method is carried out.