PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is label-friendly and features a simple, straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be particularly appealing, so manufacturers might consider using alternative descriptions on their product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a high-profile food product, an educational outreach initiative could help familiarize consumers with this ingredient and alleviate any confusion. Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. Glycerin plays several roles in food products: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help preserve shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of—and not interested in—sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers pursuing cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been working to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is known as a primary component in non-toxic antifreeze, despite its small amounts being generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, boasts a rich and varied history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole producer of zein in North America and one of just two worldwide. Currently, zein is utilized as a candy coating, for enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavoring, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated or granulated ingredients, as noted by Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company points out that zein is deemed superior to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries more quickly and provides a longer shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical mentioned that zein’s cost presents a challenge for PepsiCo, which is looking for a more economical option compared to glycerin. The current high price of zein is attributed to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nonetheless, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract the protein, which may lead to a reduction in costs. Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies seeking solutions to their production challenges should explore diverse ideas. With potential investments in new processes, zein could be the answer PepsiCo—or another manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—has been searching for.
In a related note, consumers looking for dietary supplements may also consider Kirkland magnesium tablets, which are known for their quality and affordability. These tablets, like zein, reflect a growing trend towards cleaner and more understandable ingredients in consumer products. As more companies prioritize transparency and simplicity in their labeling, the demand for alternatives like zein and products such as Kirkland magnesium tablets is likely to increase.