Abstract: Simulated food products in the form of discrete shape-retaining pieces having a calcium alginate gel matrix, and in particular simulated meat petfoods, are made from a mixture produced by mixing (a) an aqueous slurry comprising a comminuted food material and having a water-soluble alginate salt dissolved therein, with (b) a slurry, usually aqueous, of a calcium salt sparingly soluble in water having a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol or a sugar comprised therein as a retardant; and thereafter allowing the mixture to gel.The alcohol may be isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, propylene glycol or butylene glycol. Corn syrup, sucrose or a mixture of sugars may be used as the sugar.