Novel [beta]-carotene formulations

The present invention is directed to a process for the manufacture of a formulation of [beta]-carotene, wherein the [beta]-carotene is embedded in a matrix of at least one modified food starch, and wherein the [beta]-carotene in said formulation has a trans content ≥ 90% and a median particle size of less than 400 nm, and the E1/1 of said formulation is > 800, said process comprising the following steps: (a) providing an aqueous suspension of [beta]-carotene and at least one modified food starch (preferably OSA starch) to obtain an aqueous matrix; (b) optionally wet media milling the matrix of step (a) with milling beads, whereby the average diameter of the milling beads is ≥ 0.8 mm (preferably > 1.0 mm), to obtain a matrix of [beta]-carotene, wherein the median particle size of the [beta]-carotene is smaller than the median particle size of the [beta]-carotene in the matrix of step (a); (c) wet media milling the matrix of step (a) or step (b) with milling beads, whereby the average diameter of the milling be