PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and has a straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these requirements, although most consumers may not be aware of what it is. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not sound appealing, so the company may prefer a different label description. If zein is utilized in a prominent food product, an educational campaign to introduce this ingredient could help alleviate consumer confusion, especially considering that they are more familiar with glycerin. Glycerin, a clear, slightly sweet liquid derived from plant or animal sources, serves various roles in food, such as acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to support texture and shape.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicated that it is already aware of—and not interested in—sodium chloride, low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These alternatives pose concerns for consumers who are looking for cleaner labels. Manufacturers are increasingly trying to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is known primarily as a component of non-toxic antifreeze, despite small amounts being recognized as safe by the FDA.
Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a rich history. Over the last two centuries, it has been employed in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, for printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein producer in North America and one of only two globally. Presently, zein is utilized in candy coatings, enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical.
The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its faster drying time and longer shelf life, especially in high humidity and heat. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, Flo Chemical noted to Food Navigator that zein’s cost does not align with PepsiCo’s request for a more economical alternative to glycerin. The extraction of zein from corn is energy-intensive, making it pricey, but biochemists are exploring innovative methods to make this protein more affordable.
Innovations can emerge from various sources, so it is wise for companies to explore diverse options for addressing their manufacturing challenges. With potential investments in new extraction processes, zein could be the solution PepsiCo—or any manufacturer aiming to enhance its ingredient transparency—might be seeking. In the realm of label-friendly alternatives, calcium citrate liquid Walgreens could also be an attractive option to consider alongside zein.