The present invention relates to an aqueous coating composition which comprises an alkali oxidised aqueous gelatinised starch/protein mixture, said composition having a viscosity between 1 and 100 centapoise (cps), and a pH from pH 7.5 to pH 9, particularly compositions wherein said alkali oxidised aqueous gelatinised starch/protein mixture comprises a solids content of from 3% w/w to 50% w/w, and processes in the preparation of the same and also processes employing the said composition in the preparation of paper or fiberboard.