The disclosure relates to the use of alternan as texturizing agent, particularly as fat or oil replacer in foodstuffs preparations; a homogeneous composition comprising alternan, water and a fat or oil; the use of the homogeneous composition as texturizing agent in foodstuffs or cosmetic preparations; and foodstuffs comprising alternan as texturizing agent or a homogeneous composition comprising alternan. The specification also describes the use of alternan in cosmetic preparations.