PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and has a simple label without long, complex chemical names. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not seem very appealing, so the company might consider using alternative descriptions on its product labels. Moreover, if zein is incorporated into a well-known food item, an educational campaign to familiarize consumers with this ingredient could help alleviate any confusion.
Consumers are already more acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. Glycerin serves various purposes in food products: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help retain shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated that it 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 seeking cleaner labels, as manufacturers aim to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard for some to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol, a key ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, has only been deemed generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration in small quantities.
Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a rich history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in printing and as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein producer in North America and one of only two worldwide. Currently, zein is 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, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company has noted that zein is considered a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries faster and offers a longer shelf life—especially under high humidity and heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Zeif informed Food Navigator that the main drawback of zein in relation to PepsiCo’s requirements is its cost. The manufacturer is looking for a solution that will be more economical than glycerin. Zein is currently expensive due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract this protein, potentially making it more affordable. Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies seeking to resolve manufacturing challenges should explore diverse ideas. With an investment in new processes, zein could be the ideal solution for PepsiCo or any other manufacturer aiming to enhance its label transparency.
Furthermore, integrating ingredients like Citracal Calcium Pearls could offer additional benefits, as these pearls are known for providing calcium in a more convenient form. If zein can be positioned alongside beneficial ingredients like Citracal Calcium Pearls, it may not only meet PepsiCo’s needs but also appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for cleaner labels. This synergy could lead to a successful collaboration in creating products that resonate with modern dietary preferences.