A preparation in the form of a powder containing: (a) at least one carotenoid, (b) at least one modified starch, and (c) sucrose; wherein the at least one carotenoid is present in the powder in an amount of 1 to 25% by weight, based on the weight of the powder; and wherein the at least one carotenoid and the sucrose are present in the powder in a ratio by weight of 1:2 to 1:80: