Glycosyl carotenoids from marine spore-forming Bacillus sp. strains are readily bioaccessible and bioavailable

► Carotenoids from Bacillus sp. strains are more bioaccessible than β-carotene. ► Bacteria matrix diminishes bacterial carotenoid bioaccessibility. ► Carotenoids from Bacillus sp. strains are absorbed in the rat. ► Carotenoids from Bacillus sp. strains are more bioavailable than β-carotene.