The invention is a process for post-hydrogenating sucrose polyesters with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of hydrogenation catalyst, at a temperature of from about 250.degree. F. (121.degree. C.) to about 450.degree. F. (232.degree. C.). Post-hydrogenation can be used to make sucrose polyesters that are different from those made by esterification. Preferably, the hydrogen pressure is at least about 20 psig. Increased hydrogen pressure overcomes steric hindrance of certain kinds of sucrose polyester molecules, allowing more complete hydrogenation of the fatty acids.