The present invention relates to polyol blends containing a polyol and a polyphenol alkoxylate, i.e. an alkoxylated polyphenol, and coatings prepared from these blends. The polyol blends have the advantage of a low residual polyphenol content and have desirable viscosity characteristics without the need for diluents or solvents which could result in unwanted VOC emissions. In another aspect of the invention, polyester polyols are prepared using polyphenol alkoxyiates. Coatings prepared using these polyol compositions have improved salt spray corrosion resistance, along with a variety of other excellent coating performance properties. Also, the polyols used herein can contain a significant recycle and biorenewable content, making these blends and coatings sustainable alternatives to petroleum based polyol products.