PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and has a simple, straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, though many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not sound particularly appealing, so the company may prefer to use different descriptions on its product labels. If zein is incorporated into a prominent food product, a consumer education campaign could help clarify what the ingredient is, alleviating any confusion. Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. It serves several roles in food products, acting 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 is 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 among consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been working to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard for some to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily used in non-toxic antifreeze, despite small amounts being deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a rich and diverse history. Over the past two centuries, it has found uses in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing applications, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the only zein manufacturer in North America and one of just two globally. Zein is currently utilized as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, for pharmaceutical tablets, in seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, as noted by Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company has highlighted that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries more quickly and enhances shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-temperature conditions. Furthermore, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, one area where zein does not align with PepsiCo’s request is its cost; the manufacturer is looking for a more economical solution compared to glycerin. Zein’s high expense is attributed to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract the protein, which could lead to a more cost-effective solution. Innovations can arise from various sources, making it wise for companies seeking to address their manufacturing challenges to explore a range of ideas. With potential investments in new processes, zein could be the ideal ingredient that PepsiCo—or any manufacturer aiming to improve its product labeling—might be searching for. Additionally, the integration of soft gel calcium citrate could provide further benefits to products utilizing zein, enhancing their appeal and nutritional profile while maintaining a clean label.