Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage comprising a milled rhodoxanthin form with an average particle size D(v,0.5) of the milled rhodoxanthin in the form in the range of from 400 to 600 nm, more preferably in the range of from 500 nm to 600 nm, whereby the average particle size is measured by Laser Diffraction; Malvern Mastersizer 3000, MIE volume distribution. The present invention is also directed to such a milled rhodoxanthin form, its manufacture and its use for coloring beverages.

Abstract: 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 ?-carotene or 8?-apo-?-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 ?-carotene or 8?-apo-?-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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to gums and jellies comprising a milled rhodoxanthin form with an average particle size D(v,0.5) of the milled rhodoxanthin in the form in the range of from 400 to 600 nm, more preferably in the range of from 500 nm to 600 nm, whereby the average particle size is measured by Laser Diffraction; Malvern Mastersizer 3000, MIE volume distribution. The present invention is also directed to such a milled rhodoxanthin form, its manufacture and its use for coloring gums (especially gummy bears) and jellies.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 3-hydroxy-2-cycloalken-1-one derivatives by cathodically reducing a compound of the general formula ##STR1## wherein n is the integer 0 or 1, to a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein n has the above significance, and, if desired, further cathodically reducing the resulting compound in acidic or neutral medium to a compound of the general formula ##STR3## wherein n has the above significance.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of the novel compound of the formula ##STR1## from the compound of the formula ##STR2## is described. This process comprises cathodically reducing the compound of formula I in a basic, aqueous-organic solvent mixture.The compound of formula II is an intermediate in the manufacture of rhodoxanthin or zeaxanthin.