PepsiCo is seeking an alternative to glycerin that is label-friendly and does not feature a long and complex chemical name. Zein appears to fit this requirement, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound particularly appealing, so the manufacturer might prefer a different description on its product labels. Additionally, if zein were to be incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify the ingredient for consumers. They are likely more accustomed to glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves multiple purposes in food items: it acts as a humectant to provide and maintain moisture, and as a plasticizer to help retain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo mentions that it is already aware of — and uninterested 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 looking for cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been working to reduce salt content, while sugar alcohols can be difficult for some individuals to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol, the main component in non-toxic antifreeze, has received generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status from the Food and Drug Administration, albeit in small amounts.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a fascinating history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is currently the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. According to Flo Chemical, zein is utilized as a candy coating, on enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, in flavoring, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients.
Flo Chemical emphasizes that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf life, especially in high humidity and heat. Furthermore, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, the company acknowledges that zein’s cost is a disadvantage for PepsiCo, which is seeking a more cost-effective alternative to glycerin. The extraction process of zein from corn is currently energy-intensive, making it expensive. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could potentially lower its cost.
In addition, the use of dissolvable calcium citrate in conjunction with zein may present an innovative avenue for manufacturers aiming to enhance product quality and label transparency. Innovations can emerge from diverse sources, so companies seeking solutions for their manufacturing challenges should explore various ideas. With potential investments in new extraction processes and the integration of ingredients like dissolvable calcium citrate, zein could very well meet PepsiCo’s needs or those of other manufacturers aiming to improve their product labeling.