According to various embodiments, gas-generating additives for use in a cement composition comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and having a shelf life of about 12 months or greater. The gas-generating additives may also include a C.sub.8-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon. In more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and a C.sub.8-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon for increasing a shelf life of the gas-generating material. In yet more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a cement; a fluid for making the cement composition pumpable; a hydrogen-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture for delaying a hydrogen-generating reaction, the mixture comprising sorbitan monooleate and an isoparaffin.