The present invention relates to compositions containing modified gum acacia and carotenoids, wherein the gum acacia has been subjected to a heat-treatment at a temperature between 100.degree. C. and 115.degree. C. for 1 to 38 hours, wherein the composition comprises less than 40 weight-% oil. It has been found that the compositions according to the invention allow to produce emulsions having a very high color intensity, color stability. These compositions can be used for the enrichment, fortification and/or coloration of food beverages, animal feed, cosmetics or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention also refers to the preparation of such compositions, wherein it has been found that the emulsification time in the manufacturing process of the compositions can be reduced when using a modified gum acacia in carotenoid compositions with less than 40 weight-% oil. The present `invention furthermore refers to a process for the manufacture of a beverage by mixing the compositions with ingredients of beverages. The present invention also refers to beverages obtainable by this process.