The present invention relates to substantially pure hydrocolloids and derivatives thereof a novel method of making said hydrocolloids, compositions comprising said hydrocolloids, and using said hydrocolloids as a gelling and thickening agent for aqueous systems, for instance, in the area of food, fodder, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. Typical hydrocolloids are selected from tamarid, fenugreek, cassia, locust bean, tara and guar. The hydrocolloids obtainable by the method of the invention are colorless, odorless and tasteless and they exhibit improved performance properties such as viscosity properties as well as gel strength and break strength.