The present invention is directed to a bixin form, wherein the bixin is microencapsulated, and preferably whereby the particle size of the inner phase of the bixin form when measured in water by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (Beckman Coulter N4 Plus Submicron Particle Sizer) is in the range of from 100 to 400 nm. This bixin form is preferably added to the edible coating during its manufacture in the form of a dispersion or in form of a powder. The edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils yellow-orange to red-orange. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising such a bixin form.
