The present invention relates to a composition comprising xanthan gum or ĸ-carrageenan, a swellable particulate and protein and/or a polysaccharide which forms a synergistic gel with xanthan and/or ĸ-carrageenan (e.g. galactomannan or glucomannan), and uses of such a composition, for example, to treat obesity. The present invention further relates to kits comprising said composition, wherein the composition is provided in separate first and second parts, and ranges of foodstuffs. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising ĸ-carrageenan and a swellable particulate. The present invention further relates to a method for forming an edible gel, gels so formed and uses for said gels, as well as food stuffs containing the compositions of the invention.