This invention provides a preparation of a powdered plant sterol ester
which comprises a plant sterol ester, an octenyl succinate-modified
starch and an indigestible dextrin. The preparation can be prepared by a
method comprising the steps of emulsifying a plant sterol ester in an
aqueous solution containing an octenyl succinate-modified starch and an
indigestible dextrin to form an emulsion and then powdering the resulting
emulsion. The invention permits the application of plant sterol esters to
wide variety of foods and drinks. In addition, the invention permits the
effective control of an increase of the serum-cholesterol content
accompanied by the intake of meals.