The present invention relates to a method for producing carotenoid solutions in an oil suitable for food. In particular, the invention relates to a method for dissolving a carotenoid, in particular astaxanthin, in an oil suitable for food by heating a suspension of the carotenoid, especially astaxanthin, in the oil and then rapidly cooling (quenching) the obtained solution. The method comprises the following steps: i. providing a suspension of the carotenoid in an oil suitable for food ii. continuously heating a flow of the carotenoid suspension, wherein a hot carotenoid solution is obtained and iii. continuously rapidly cooling the hot carotenoid solution, wherein the carotenoid suspension is conducted over a heated heat exchanger surface as a thin liquid film in order to continuously heat the carotenoid suspension.
