A process for producing a low DE starch hydrolysate, involves fractionating a starch hydrolysate comprising a DE greater than about 18 using a nanofiltration membrane, having a molecular weight cut-off of less than about 4,000 daltons, under nanofiltration conditions effective to result in a low DE starch hydrolysate comprising a DE of less than about 25. A process for producing a low DE starch hydrolysate blend involves combining the product produced by the process of the present invention with At least one other substance in a predetermined blending ratio to result in a low DE starch hydrolysate blend. A process for hydrogenating a low DE starch hydrolysate produced by the process of the present invention to result in an hydrogenated low DE starch hydrolysate. A process for producing a substantially thermal and shelf-life stable emulsion comprising forming a mixture of the low DE starch hydrolysate of the invention with an effective concentration of at least one ingredient to result in an emulsion. A process for producing a substantially dry ingredient encapsulate comprising the steps of:(1) forming an aqueous matrix composition comprising the low DE starch hydrolysate of the invention; (2) mixing at least one ingredient with said matrix composition to form a mixture; and (3) drying said mixture to result in a substantially dry ingredient encapsulate.