PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and avoids long, complex chemical names. Zein appears to meet these criteria, even though many consumers may be unfamiliar with it. However, terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound very appetizing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative descriptions for product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a high-profile food item, an educational outreach campaign could help demystify the ingredient for consumers.
Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves several purposes 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 indicated that it is already aware of and not interested in alternatives such as sodium chloride, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements” have been made. These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. For instance, while glycerin is generally accepted, sugar alcohols can pose digestion issues for some, and propylene glycol, a key component in non-toxic antifreeze, has received mixed perceptions despite its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the FDA.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a rich history and has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in printing applications and even for producing stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavoring agents, for pharmaceutical tablets, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based firm asserts that zein outperforms traditional confectionery glazes due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf life, particularly under high humidity and heat. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical highlighted that zein’s cost is a drawback in response to PepsiCo’s request, as the manufacturer aims to find a more cost-effective solution compared to glycerin. The current extraction process from corn is energy-intensive, driving up costs. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring innovative extraction methods that could potentially reduce the expense associated with zein. Companies searching for solutions to their manufacturing challenges should consider diverse sources for inspiration. With investment in new techniques, zein might just be the answer PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to enhance its product labels—needs. Furthermore, in discussions about potential alternatives, one might ask, “Que es calcium citrate?” as it represents another ingredient that could be explored in this context.