An object of the present invention is to provide a novel foodstuff useful as an alternative for edible fats and/or oils, an alternative for edible fats and/or oils using the foodstuff, and food products prepared by using these alternatives for fats and/or oils; a novel material usable as a water absorbent material and/or a water retention material; a water absorbent material and a water retention material produced by using such a material; and a water absorbent product and a water retention product produced by using the material. A composition containing a hydrogel component derived from gum-arabic, comprising at least 10 wt % of hydrogel component preferably obtained by heating gum arabic, is used as the alternative for edible oil, alternative for edible fats, water absorbent material, or water retention material.