Abstract: The present invention relates to a processed food or beverage composition containing a dextrin having the following characteristics (a) to (d): (a) the dextrin has a blue value within the range of 0.4 to 1.2, (b) having a gel strength of 4 N/cm2 or more as measured after being dissolved in distilled water at 80° C. to prepare a 30 wt % aqueous solution of the dextrin, and then being allowed to stand at 5° C. for 24 hours, (c) having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s or less as measured after being dissolved in distilled water at 25° C. to prepare a 30 wt % aqueous solution of the dextrin, and then being allowed to stand at 25° C. for five minutes; and (d) the ratio (A/B) of the following gel strengths A and B being 2 or less: A: a gel strength (N/cm2) as measured after being dissolved in distilled water at 80° C. to prepare a 30 wt % aqueous solution of the dextrin, and then being allowed to stand at 5° C. for 24 hours, and B: a gel strength (N/cm2) as measured after being dissolved in distilled water at 25° C.

Abstract: Taste modifier comprising a flavone derivative as an active ingredient of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.6 and R.sub.8 are independently a methoxy group or an hydrogen atom, R.sub.2 and R.sub.7 are methoxy groups, and R.sub.5 is a methoxy group or an hydroxy group, and a method of modifying taste, comprising adding a taste-modifying effective amount of the flavone derivative (I) to a product used in a mouth or an orally ingestible product. Various factors associated with taste can be modified, for example, the derivative can enhance sourness, reduce saltiness, inhibit unpleasant lasting of sweetness, enhance refreshing flavor and its continuity, reduce flavor associated with acetic acid, and enhance body, deliciousness and savor associated with the combination of these tastes.