A method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition, for use in a variety of applications such as food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention is directed towards a method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition for use in panning, candy, coating and adhesion applications. The method includes selecting a strong (key) film former of natural and/or modified polysaccharides that comprises between approximately 0.1% and approximately 10% of the composition, or used at a level in the finished application equivalent to about 0.1 to 10% of what gum arabic would typically be used regardless of whether the gum arabic is used.