One object of the invention is a spray-dried composition comprising an active ingredient dispersed in a carrier comprising a combination of a wall-forming carbohydrate material with from 1 to 30% by weight of agar agar relative to the dried weight of the composition. The composition of the invention presents an advantageous behavior in an aqueous or highly moist environment wherein the mobility of the active agent is restricted in the gelled carrier, thus preventing the release of the agent unless shear of heat are applied. Another object of the invention is a process for the preparation of the spray-dried composition.