PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and avoids lengthy chemical names. Zein appears to meet this requirement, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be very appealing, so the company might prefer alternative descriptions on their product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational outreach initiative could effectively clarify the ingredient to consumers.
Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. It plays several roles in food items, such as acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help preserve shape and texture.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of—and is not interested in—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 aiming for cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been striving to reduce salt levels, sugar alcohols can pose digestive challenges for some (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is mainly known as a component in non-toxic antifreeze, though small quantities are generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a fascinating history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications across the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole producer of zein in North America and one of only two worldwide manufacturers.
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, and in seeds and encapsulated or granulated ingredients. The Massachusetts-based company claims that zein surpasses confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glazes in terms of coating efficiency, as it dries more quickly and extends shelf life—especially in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and considered natural.
However, the only drawback pointed out by Flo Chemical is the cost of zein, which does not align with PepsiCo’s goal of reducing expenses compared to glycerin. The extraction of zein from corn is currently energy-intensive, making it relatively pricey. Nonetheless, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract the protein more efficiently, which could potentially lower its cost.
Companies like PepsiCo, or others aiming to improve their ingredient labels, should remain open to various sources for innovative solutions. With potential investments in new extraction processes, zein could very well be the solution that PepsiCo—or another manufacturer looking to enhance its label—has been searching for. Additionally, the integration of zinc kirkland into formulations could further enhance the appeal and effectiveness of products using zein, making it an even more attractive option in the marketplace.