PepsiCo is in search of a glycerin substitute that is more consumer-friendly and lacks a lengthy, complex chemical name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not be particularly appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative labeling options. If zein were to be included in a high-profile food product, launching an educational campaign to familiarize consumers with the ingredient could help alleviate any confusion. Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves multiple roles in food products: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and serves as a plasticizer to help preserve the product’s shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of and not interested in alternatives such as sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These ingredients often raise concerns among consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been seeking to reduce salt content, while sugar alcohols, which include glycerin, can be challenging for some individuals to digest. Additionally, propylene glycol is predominantly known as a component in non-toxic antifreeze, although small quantities have been deemed generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, which was first identified in 1821, boasts a fascinating history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in 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. Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company highlights that zein is a superior coating option compared to traditional confectioners’ or pharmaceutical glazes, as it dries more quickly and provides an extended shelf life, especially under high humidity and heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural, according to Flo Chemical.
However, as Zeif told Food Navigator, zein falls short of PepsiCo’s request primarily due to cost; the company is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. The high cost of zein is attributed to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract this protein, which could lead to a more cost-effective solution. Innovation can arise from various sources, so companies addressing manufacturing challenges should explore diverse ideas. With potential investments in new processes, zein could be the answer that PepsiCo or other manufacturers seeking to enhance their product labels need, possibly alongside integrating options like perque choline citrate. This ingredient could provide additional health benefits and align with the trend toward cleaner labeling, making it a valuable consideration in the search for alternatives to glycerin.