Abstract: The present invention is related to a novel component for use in a consumer food product. More specifically, the ingredient or component, provided either alone or acting synergistically with other select ingredients, is part of an ingestible food product intended for human or animal consumption that provides a health benefit. The food product provides beneficial hypocholesterolemic activity through increased bile acid binding activity through the use of cyclodextrins alone or in combination with dietary fibers and/or sterols while simultaneously delivering a food product which is not adversely affected by its inclusion, either in taste or texture or in any undesirable side effects.