The present invention is directed to an edible coating comprising rhodoxanthin. This edible coating has preferably a red value a* of at least 36 at the CIELAB color scale. In embodiments of the present invention the edible coating further comprises β-carotene or 8′-apo-β-caroten-8′-al. This edible coating is preferably used for coating confectionary such as chocolate lentils, but not limited thereto. The present invention is also directed to precursors of such edible coatings such as sugar syrup and sugar-free alternatives, both comprising rhodoxanthin and optionally β-carotene or 8′-apo-β-caroten-8′-al. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a panned confection comprising: a) an edible product center, and b) an edible coating according to the present invention.
