PepsiCo is in search of a glycerin alternative that is both label-friendly and has a simple, straightforward chemical name. Zein seems to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not be very appealing, so the manufacturer may prefer a different description on product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify this ingredient for consumers. People are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. It serves various roles in food items, acting as a humectant to retain moisture and as a plasticizer to maintain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo mentions that it is already aware of, and not interested in, alternatives like sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements have been made.” These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers looking for cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been striving to reduce salt content, while some individuals find sugar alcohols difficult to digest (glycerin is included in this category). Additionally, propylene glycol is primarily known as a key ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, despite its small amounts being classified as generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a long and intriguing history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing, and even in making yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of only two worldwide. According to Flo Chemical, zein is currently utilized as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, for pharmaceutical tablets, in seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients. The Massachusetts-based company states that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries more quickly and provides extended shelf life, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and considered a natural option.
However, Zeif informed Food Navigator that the main drawback of zein in relation to PepsiCo’s needs is its cost; the manufacturer seeks a solution that is more economical than glycerin. Currently, zein is costly due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn, but biochemists are exploring new methods that could make this protein more affordable. Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies looking to resolve their manufacturing challenges should explore different avenues for effective solutions. With potential investments in new processes, zein could be the ideal alternative PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—has been searching for. It’s worth considering the inclusion of calcium citrate tetrahydrate in formulations, as this ingredient could complement zein in food applications, offering additional benefits and further enhancing product clarity on labels.