Encapsulation of spray dried β-carotene emulsion by fluidized bed coating technology

•Fluid bed coating is a useful technology for encapsulation of sensitive ingredients.•Coating temperature had an effect on β-carotene content and powder color.•Coating agents and process conditions provided color stability in acidic media.

β-carotene is a promising natural colorant because its potential health benefits; however, its use is sometimes limited because of its susceptibility to oxidation and thermal degradation. An emulsion containing 0.06 g β-carotene/100 g emulsion was spray dried and fluidized bed coating was used to encapsulate the β-carotene by spraying a solution with 10 g hydroxypropyl cellulose/100 g of coating solution. Temperature and feed rate of coating solution were varied to evaluate β-carotene and color stability during storage at different temperatures. Coated powders were analyzed for particle size, moisture content, water activity, melting point and color. Coating temperature had an effect on β-carotene content and powder color, but there was no clear trend on the effect of coating solution feed rate. Decreasing β-carotene concentration was correlated with decreasing chroma and total difference color values in coated powders during storage. Coated powders showed color stability when applied to yogurt for up to 4 weeks of storage since low values of total difference color were observed.