Low conversion starch hydrolyzate products having dextrose equivalent values not substantially above 18 and characterized by a unique saccharide composition, good clarity and little tendency of retrogradation in solution. Methods for preparing low conversion starch hydrolyzates by a two-stage hydrolysis; hydrolysis in the first stage being carried out with acids or enzymes at elevated temperatures for short periods to achieve liquefaction of the starch with very little dextrinization or saccharification and the second stage of the hydrolysis being carried out at an alkaline pH with bacterial alpha-amylase to achieve a desired dextrose equivalent value.