PepsiCo is on the lookout for a glycerin alternative that is label-friendly and has a simple chemical name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound particularly appealing, prompting manufacturers to consider more enticing descriptions for their product labels. If zein is introduced in a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could effectively demystify the ingredient for consumers.
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 items: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and functions as a plasticizer to help preserve shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated its disinterest in sodium chloride, low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless there are “significant advancements.” These ingredients often raise concerns among consumers seeking cleaner labels; for instance, manufacturers aim to reduce salt content, while sugar alcohols, including glycerin, can be hard for some to digest, and propylene glycol is primarily known as a component of non-toxic antifreeze, although the FDA has classified small amounts as generally recognized as safe.
Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a remarkable history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, printing, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of only two globally. According to Flo Chemical, zein is currently utilized as a candy coating, for enriched rice, dried fruits, nuts, flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated or granulated ingredients. The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein is superior to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries faster and provides extended shelf life, especially under humid and high-temperature conditions. Moreover, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical has noted that zein’s cost is a significant drawback for PepsiCo, which is seeking a more economical option compared to glycerin. The high cost of zein is attributed to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Yet, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract this protein, which may lead to lower prices. Innovations can originate from diverse sources, making it wise for companies to seek various solutions for their manufacturing challenges. With investment in new processes, zein could potentially fulfill PepsiCo’s—or any manufacturer’s—desire for cleaner labels, especially in conjunction with biocare calcium to enhance its appeal as a natural ingredient.