OIL-IN-WATER DISPERSIONS OF .BETA.-CAROTENE AND OTHER CAROTENOIDS STABLE AGAINST OXIDATION PREPARED FROM WATER-DISPERSIBLE BEADLETS HAVING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF CAROTENOID

摘要

Oil-in-water dispersions of .beta.-carotene and other carotenoids that are stable against oxidation, even in the presence of polyphosphates, especially sodium hexametaphosphate. These oil-in-water dispersions are typically prepared by contacting a water-dispersible beadlet comprising at least about 5 % colloidal carotenoid with the water phase to form droplets of the carotenoid that are in intimate contact with sufficient oil phase such that the carotenoid is stable against oxidation, even in the absence of an effective antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. The oil-in-water carotenoid dispersions of the present invention are especially useful in dilute juice beverages for providing vitamin A fortification and color, as well as other oil/water food and beverage products where vitamin A fortification and/or color are desired.