The present invention is directed to a clear liquid formulation comprising:a) at least one carotenoid, andb) at least one modified food starch, andc) at least one saccharide, andd) water,especially to a clear liquid formulation comprisinga) 0.1 to 10 weight-% (preferably 0.5 to 5.0 weight-%, more preferably 0.5 to 3.0 weight-%, most preferably 1.0 to 3.0 weight-%) of at least one carotenoid, andb) 20 to 60 weight-% (preferably 30 to 50 weight-%) of at least one modified food starch, andc) 0.5 to 60 weight-% (preferably 0.5 to 30 weight-%, more preferably 0.5 to 20 weight-%, most preferably 1.0 to 10 weight-%) of at least one saccharide, andd) 35 to 75 weight-% (preferably 45 to 65 weight-%) of water,all amounts based on the total weight of the liquid formulation,whereby all amounts add up to 100 weight-%.The present invention is further directed to a process for the manufacture of such liquid formulations, as well as to beverages containing them. These beverages are also clear and color stable.