The present invention relates to methods for reducing color and/or unpleasant taste and/or malodor development in a composition comprising at plant material, such a cereal bran, in particular during solubilization processes of the plant material. The invention further relates to optimised methods of solubilization, wherein color and/or unpleasant taste and/or malodor development is controlled. Solubilised plant material, kit of parts, the use of such solubilised plant material, e.g. in food products or bioethanol are also encompassed by the present invention.