Low-calorie bulking agents such as cellulose, starch, bran, glucans and hydrocolloids are coated with a lipid compound to form a base layer, then the fiber/lipid complex is encapsulated within a protein compound. This provides a delivery system that can control the moisture absorption by the edible fibers. Using the encapsulated fiber, the edible fiber’s water absorption can be effectively delayed until normal digestive processes begin in the stomach.