The invention provides a food additive composition comprising i) a bean powder, especially lima bean powder, ii) water absorbent vegetable fibre, iii) one or more inorganic calcium compounds, and iv) modified cellulose wherein the bean powder i) is present in a proportion of between 50 and 90% by weight based on the total weight of i), ii), iii) and iv). Foods comprising the additive composition and which are cooked or reheated in a microwave oven have generally improved characteristics such as taste and texture as compared to similar foods not comprising the additive.