The present invention provides a composition of matter where gelatin-like gels with little thermal hysteresis and syneresis are prepared from water, low acyl gellan gum, and tamarind seed xyloglucan. The composition may further include salts up to an amount equivalent to the ionic strength of 30 mM. The gel exhibits a thermal hysteresis as defined as the difference between gel setting and melting temperatures typically less than about 5.degree. C. and no appreciable syneresis. Methods for preparing gels having storage modulus values in the order of 100 Pa and 1,000 Pa and melting temperatures of about 30.degree. C. and 40.degree. C., respectively, are also disclosed.