A coating composition comprising sodium alginate and plasticizer, optionally detackifying agents, opacifers and colorants. The coating composition of the present invention may be applied to a pharmaceutical and veterinary tablet, caplets, pellets, granules, neutraceuticals, food, confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers and pesticide tablets and provides an elegant, glossy, prompt release coating which does not retard the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.
