Abstract: A gel-forming protein product is prepared from a raw material of either defatted or non-defatted oil seeds or products derived therefrom, which contain proteins, carbohydrates and a polysaccharide fraction. The proteins are subjected to a thermal treatment in water. The thermal treatment comprises heating the proteins in one or more stages at a temperature above 50.degree. C. The proteins need not be separated from other constituents of the raw materials but are separated from the polysaccharide fraction. The protein product can be formed into gels having desirable compressibility and elasticity characteristics. The gels are useful in foodstuffs.