A coated triggered start product is formed from a particulate core material comprising at least one water soluble active constituent and at least one coating layer applied on the particulate core material. The coating layer causes the product to exhibit "lock-off" type release characteristics whereby release of the active constituent of the core material from the coated product is essentially completely suppressed until release is initiated by application of a trigger material to the coating layer. Processes for preparing and using such triggered start products are also provided.