A method of preparing a gelled product from an ungelled aqueous hydrolyzed collagen, such as gelatin or glue, concentrate containing 10-60 weight percent hydrolyzed collagen and a lyotropic agent is disclosed. The concentrate has a hydrolyzed collagen-to-lyotropic agent weight ratio of 1:0 of 1:0.1 to about 1:4.5, a pH value of 2.5-7 and gels at less than 20.degree. C. On dilution with water to a hydrolyzed collagen concentration of about 2 weight percent while substantially maintaining the pH value of the concentrate, the diluted composition gels at a temperature above that of the concentrate. Specific concentrates, food products, industrial applications and methods for using the concentrates are disclosed.