Abstract: Disclosed are improved coconut pieces coated with an impermeable coating of insoluble calcium alginate as well as methods of preparing such coconut pieces. Such coated coconut pieces are especially suitable for incorporation into ready-to-spread frostings. The methods essentially comprise the steps, in sequence, of: (a) providing dehydrated coconut pieces having a moisture content of about 3.0% to 3.5% by weight; (b) applying a dilute aqueous solution of a water soluble source of calcium ions sufficient to provide up to about 0.2% by weight calcium based on the dry weight of the coconut to form calcium-laden coconut pieces; (c) drying to a moisture content of between about 12% to 16% by weight; (d) applying an aqueous solution of up to about 3% by weight low viscosity sodium alginate in amounts sufficient to provide up to about 0.