PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is label-friendly and avoids lengthy, complex chemical names. Zein appears to be a suitable option, although many consumers may not be aware of it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound very appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative descriptions for product labels. If zein is incorporated into a prominent food item, a consumer education initiative could help clarify the ingredient and alleviate any confusion.
Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves several purposes in food products: it acts as a humectant to provide and retain moisture and as a plasticizer to help maintain structure and shape. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicated that it is already aware of and not interested in alternatives such as sodium chloride, low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless there have been “significant advancements.” These alternatives often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels.
Glycerin is associated with high salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard for some individuals to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is commonly found in non-toxic antifreeze, although the FDA has classified small amounts as generally recognized as safe. Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a rich history and has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in printing and yarn production during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole producer of zein in North America and one of only two worldwide.
Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, for pharmaceutical tablets, and in encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company points out that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its faster drying time and extended shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Furthermore, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical acknowledged to Food Navigator that zein’s cost is a drawback for PepsiCo, which is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. The high price of zein is largely due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, potentially lowering costs. Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges should explore diverse ideas. With investment in new extraction processes, zein might be exactly what PepsiCo or any other manufacturer aiming to refine its label needs.
Additionally, the potential use of zein as a coating could extend to products like calcium ccm tablets, which require a clean and appealing label. Given the current trend towards transparency in ingredient sourcing, zein could help bridge the gap for manufacturers looking to enhance their product offerings, including those in the supplement market, where calcium ccm tablets are prevalent. With the right approach, zein could be a game-changer in food safety and labeling clarity.