PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and avoids lengthy, complex chemical names. Zein appears to meet this requirement, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not be very appealing, so manufacturers may prefer to use different descriptors on their product labels. If zein is utilized in a prominent food product, an educational outreach initiative could be beneficial in introducing the ingredient and alleviating consumer confusion.
Consumers are more acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. It serves multiple roles in food products: as a humectant, it helps retain moisture, and as a plasticizer, it aids in maintaining shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of—and 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. Manufacturers have been working to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard for some to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily known as a non-toxic antifreeze ingredient—though small amounts have been deemed generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a rich and varied history. Over the last two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, 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 utilized as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavorings, for pharmaceutical tablets, in seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company points out that zein is often a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries faster and provides an extended shelf-life—especially in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Zeif mentioned to Food Navigator that zein’s cost is a drawback in meeting PepsiCo’s request, as they are looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. Currently, zein is costly due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract this protein, which could potentially lower its cost. Innovations can arise from many sources, so companies seeking to address their manufacturing challenges should consider various avenues for ideas. With strategic investment in new processes, zein might be precisely what PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—requires. Moreover, the use of ingredients like Citracal with D might complement this effort, ensuring that products not only meet consumer expectations but also contribute to health and wellness.