Methods for extraction of carotenoids from carotenoid-containing plant material using an extraction solvent comprising ethyl lactate. The invention is also directed to products obtained thereby. In the method, a sample of dry, particulate carotenoid-containing plant material is contacted with the ethyl lactate extraction solvent to extract the carotenoids. The method also includes the use of an ethyl lactate-ethanol blend as the extraction solvent. After extraction, the solvent containing the extracted carotenoids is separated from the extracted plant solids and treated to separate the dissolved carotenoids from the extraction solvent and obtain a carotenoid-containing concentrate. The concentrated carotenoid product may be used directly or may be subjected to further treatment. After removal of the dissolved carotenoids, the extraction solvent can be recycled for further use.