Low methoxyl pectins that display pseudoplasticity and substantially no phase separation in aqueous solutions comprising at least one polyvalent cation, and processes for producing the same. Low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins. Processes for suspending particulates using low methoxyl pectins prepared from pectins which are not sensitive to polyvalent cations such as calcium, and in particular using low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins (NCSP). Stabilized aqueous systems containing low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins.