Processes for the production of purified, moderately esterified polyol fatty acid polyesters and the compositions derived from those processes. The purified, moderately esterified polyol fatty acid polyesters are particularly well suited for use in a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. Purified, moderately esterified polyol fatty acid polyester composition containing less than about 5% polyol; substantially free of residual solvent; less than about 700 ppm of lower alkyl esters; less than about 2% of a soap and free fatty acid mixture; less than about 1% of ash; and an acid value of less than about 2.