Abstract: A beverage product is disclosed that includes water, a color derived from natural sources or its synthetic equivalent, and a color fading inhibitor including a compound selected from the group consisting of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), rutin and myricitrin, and optionally fumaric acid. The incorporation of EMIQ can be particularly useful for inhibiting color fading of the beverage product exposed to UV light radiation. The colors derived from natural sources may be beta-carotene, black carrot and/or natural apple extract. The EMIQ can be effective to prevent color fading even in the presence of ascorbic acid, which promotes the fading of colors derived from natural sources. In addition, a method is provided for inhibiting fading of colors derived from natural sources in a beverage composition.