PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and avoids lengthy, complex chemical names. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers may be unfamiliar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not be very appealing, so the manufacturer may prefer alternative descriptions on their product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a high-profile product containing bisglycinate, an educational outreach campaign to familiarize consumers with the ingredient could help alleviate any confusion. Consumers are generally more acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. It serves various roles in food products, acting as a humectant to provide and retain moisture, and as a plasticizer to help maintain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated 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 have been “significant advancements.” These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers are actively trying to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be difficult to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol, while recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration in small amounts, is primarily used in non-toxic antifreeze.
Zein, first discovered in 1821, boasts a rich history. Over the past two centuries, it has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, for printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is used as a candy coating, on fortified 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 claims that zein is superior to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf-life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical mentioned to Food Navigator that the main drawback of zein in relation to PepsiCo’s request is its cost. The manufacturer is searching for a more economical option compared to glycerin. Currently, zein is pricey due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could make it more cost-effective. Innovations can arise from various avenues, so companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges should explore diverse sources for ideas. With potential investments in new processes, zein could be precisely what PepsiCo—or another brand aiming to enhance its label—requires. In relation to this, incorporating calcium citrate 900mg could also be an option worth considering for improving product formulations.