Novel fat mimetic compositions are disclosed as reduced calorie components. These compositions comprise a carbon backbone substituted with -CO2R and/or -CH2CO2R (carboxylate and/or methyl carboxylate) and with -O2C-R and/or -CH202C-R (carboxy and/or mefhylcarboxy) functionalities. The preferred carboxy/carboxylate esters are partially, but not completely, broken down in the body. These compounds thus achieve reduced caloric value and reduced problems associated with non-metabolizable fat substitutes. The fat mimetic compounds are useful in all edible compositions.