It is demonstrated that apple as well as citrus pectin developed secondary food aromas on heating them as plain material. At 160⁰C they produced coffee-like aroma and already at 180⁰C the smoked plum aroma was generated. Amino acids which were added changed generated aroma. Its character depended on amino acid added rather than on the pectin origin. Both pectins reacted differently. As shown by differential thermal analysis, the aromas from apple pectin were developed by the reaction of pectin decomposition products with amino acids, whereas citrus pectin first reacted with amino acids and the products of this reaction is subsequently decomposed. Both pectins were less thermally stable than starch, but citrus pectin decomposed less readily and was more reactive with amino acids than starch. The results of this study documented that the reaction of pectins with amino acids might contribute to the flavour and aroma of thermally processed foodstuffs and that pectins can be useful in manufacture of secondary food aroma essences.