Facing questions regarding the relatively low productivity of biomass and carotenoids achieved by photoautotrophic cultures, some authors ventured into the world of heterotrophic production of microalgae. However, opting for this mode of production is not a minor choice. First, not all microalgae species have the ability to effectively change their metabolism to use organic carbon as a source of energy and carbon. This is the case of Dunaliella species, which are renowned for their β-carotene production and are obligate photoautotrophs. Second, while some species grow faster and denser under heterotrophic regimes, the cells tend to reduce their pigment content. There is, therefore, a tradeoff to be discussed. To date, mainly two microalgae-sourced carotenoid productions have been studied substantially using heterotrophy: astaxanthin and lutein. Compared to their phototrophic counterparts, heterotrophic cultures have been able to achieve 21.2 and 12.3 mg L−1 d−1 versus 17.1 and 5.3 mg L−1 d−1. Yet, cell pigment contents are up to ten times lower in heterotrophy compared to phototrophy. While productivity is driven by biomass production, the explanations for the lower cell pigment content are only nascent. At a macroscopic level, it is reasonable to believe that cells tend to downregulate their pigment production as they do not derive their energy or their carbon from photosynthesis, making the whole photosynthetic apparatus accessory. Yet, the mechanisms at stake are only poorly understood. To date, a secondary explanation is an inhibition of pigment synthesis by extrinsic sugars. A better understanding of the origin of the low pigment content of cells would allow to manipulate it and drive heterotrophic pigment productivity even higher.