An edible composition comprising starch and cellulose ether particles, wherein the cellulose ether particles have a median Equivalent Projected Circle Diameter (EQPC 50,3) of up to 110 micrometers and a Crystallinity Index, CI, of not more than 0.43, wherein CI=(I200−Iam)/I200> where I200 is the intensity of the highest peak in the X-ray diffraction spectral pattern of the cellulose ether particles and Iam is the intensity of the valley between the highest peak I200 and the higher of the one or two peaks adjacent to the highest peak, is useful for preparing battered foods of reduced oil and/or fat uptake when fried.