The invention is concerned with improved liquid coating formulations for flavoring of food products. Inventive coatings provide improved slacking, cooking stability, improved flavor intensity, or for dry food products, improved shelf life and stability in liquids. Inventive liquid coating formulations comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of alginate, carageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in an amount from about 1% to 20%, one or more surfactants in an amount in an amount of 0.1 to 10%, one or more flavor in a sufficient amount, and water to give 100%.