The invention relates to a method for ionic gelation on solids for encapsulating water-insoluble solids. The method uses negatively charged macromolecules and soluble salts of polyvalent cations as shell-forming materials having a high adsorption on the surface of the solid when subjected to thermal treatment. The shell-forming material represents at least 10% of the weight of the dry microcapsule obtained. The obtained microcapsule can be redispersed in water and treated by altering the environment thereof in order to be used as an encapsulating medium for water-soluble compounds and they can also be used as active ingredients and/or excipients in the production of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compositions.