The acidified ethanol extracts of black carrots which has a high anthocyanin content (125 +/- 17.22 mg/100 g) were spray dried using a range of maltodextrins [Stardri 10 (10DE), Glucodry 210 (20-23DE) and MDX 29 (28-31 DE)] as a carrier and coating agents, at 3 different inlet/outlet air temperatures with constant feed solid content (20%). Higher inlet/outlet air temperatures caused greater anthocyanin loss during spray drying. The quality attributes of the powders which were produced at optimum drying temperatures (160 degrees C) were characterized by their anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, L*, a*, b*, C* and H degrees values, dry matter content and hygroscopicity. The best dried pigment containing powder was found where the Glucodry 210 was used as wall material. Scanning electron microscope was used for monitoring the structures and size (3-20 mu m) of the powders. For determination the stability and half-life period of microencapsulated pigments, samples were stored under different storage temperatures (4 degrees C and 25 degrees C) and light illumination (3000 lx). (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.