A novel sucrose fatty acid ester, and use thereof. Specifically, in the sucrose fatty acid ester at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups of sucrose are substituted with aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. An average degree of substitution of the hydroxyl groups is 2.23 to 2.47. Food such as a beverage and a soft candy containing the sucrose fatty acid ester are described.

An astringency reducing agent including an arabinogalactan which has a molecular weight of from 10,000 to 1,000,000 and a ratio of 1,3-bound galactose to total galactose of 12 mol % or more, as an active ingredient. A method for reducing astringency, including blending the astringency reducing agent into an oral product including an astringent substance.