Abstract: A method for producing food products made from a basic alginate or pectin gel by means of gelatinization extrusion. A cylinder is extruded from an extrusion die with a predetermined section. The cylinder has a basic mixture, including a natural food ground product such as a fruit or vegetable, a gelatinizing agent: e.g. alginate or pectin and water. The cylinder is extruded directly from the extrusion outlet die into a vertically elongated receiving bath that contains free calcium ions which ensure the immediate gel setting of an outer wall of the extruded cylinder. The bath has a density such that the extruded cylinder remains free from any stress which might cause the cylinder to warp before the cylinder has sufficiently hardened.