Abstract: Starch-based edible coating compositions for preserving food products are disclosed. The starch-based coatings comprise both a polymerized starch, comprising intertwined amylopectin chains and/or amylose chains, and native (unmodified) and/or modified starch granules dispersed in a liquid carrier. When the starch granules are heated to a temperature to induce swelling, the swollen starch granules become embedded in the intertwined amylopectin and/or amylose chains, improving physical properties of the coating needed to extend shelf-life of food products. Also disclosed are coatings made from the coating compositions, methods of making the coatings, and methods of applying the coatings to food products.