PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is friendly for labeling and features a straightforward chemical name. Zein appears to meet this requirement, although most consumers likely do not recognize the term. Descriptions like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not seem particularly appetizing, so the company might consider using different terminology on its product labels. If zein is incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational outreach initiative to familiarize consumers with the ingredient could help alleviate confusion, especially since consumers are more accustomed to glycerin.
Glycerin, a colorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources, serves multiple roles in food products: it acts 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 not interested in—sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless there has been “significant advancement.” These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels, particularly since manufacturers are attempting to reduce salt content, and sugar alcohols can be hard for some to digest (including glycerin). Additionally, propylene glycol, a primary component in non-toxic antifreeze, has been recognized as safe only in small amounts by the FDA.
Zein, discovered in 1821, has a rich history and has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, printing applications, 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. According to Flo Chemical, zein is currently employed 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. The Massachusetts-based company claims that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries more quickly and offers an extended shelf life, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical noted to Food Navigator that zein’s cost is a drawback for PepsiCo, as 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 extraction methods that could lower the price of this ingredient. Innovations can emerge from diverse sources, so companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges should explore various avenues for effective ideas. With potential investment in novel processes, zein could be the answer PepsiCo—or another manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—has been searching for.
Moreover, as consumers become increasingly health-conscious and knowledgeable about ingredients, they may appreciate alternatives like zein. For instance, incorporating products like Amazon Calcium Citrate 500 mg could complement a cleaner ingredient profile, as consumers look for transparency and quality in their food products. Thus, zein’s compatibility with such health-oriented ingredients could further bolster its appeal in the market.