This invention relates to processes for the production of purified, partially esterified polyol fatty acid polyesters and the compositions derived from those processes. The purified, partially esterified polyol fatty acid polyesters of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications and comprise less than about 5% polyol; less than about 5 ppm of residual solvent; less than about 700 ppm of lower alky esters; less than about 5% of a soap and free fatty acid mixture; less than about 3% of ash; and have an acid value of less than about 6.