The present invention relates to novel compositions containing finely dispersed carotenoids. The novel compositions of this invention can be used as colorants or additives for food, beverages, animal feeds, cosmetics or drugs. The colorant composition may be a liquid or a solid composition. The solid composition comprises at least one carotenoid which is dispersed in a matrix, wherein the matrix contains at least one carbohydrate and/or one modified carbohydrate and optionally, a protein, a modified protein or mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one carbohydrate and/or one modified carbohydrate is starch or modified starch, wherein the amount of starch or modified starch is from about 10 wt-% to 60 wt-% of based on the total weight of the matrix, and wherein the concentration of the at least one carotenoid is at least 2% based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably β-carotene is used as a solid water-dispersible colorant composition.
