PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and features a simple, straightforward name. Zein appears to meet this requirement, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound very appealing, prompting manufacturers to consider alternative labeling. If zein is incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational campaign to explain the ingredient could alleviate consumer confusion.
Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is a colorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves various roles in food items: acting as a humectant to provide and retain moisture and functioning as a plasticizer to help maintain shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicated it is aware of sodium chloride and other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, and sugar alcohols but is not interested in these unless significant advancements have been made. These ingredients often raise concerns among consumers seeking cleaner labels. After all, manufacturers aim to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be challenging for some to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is commonly associated with non-toxic antifreeze, although small amounts are deemed safe by the FDA.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has an extensive and intriguing history. Over the past two centuries, it has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, in printing applications, and even as yarn for making stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of only two worldwide. According to Flo Chemical, zein is currently used as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavorings, for pharmaceutical tablets, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients. The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries more quickly and offers extended shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Flo Chemical noted that zein’s cost is a drawback for PepsiCo, which is looking for a more economical option compared to glycerin. The extraction of zein from corn is currently energy-intensive, making it expensive. Nonetheless, biochemists are exploring new methods for extracting the protein, which could lower costs. Innovations can arise from various sources, so it is wise for companies facing manufacturing challenges to seek diverse ideas. With potential investments in new extraction processes, zein might be the ideal solution for PepsiCo or any other manufacturer aiming to clean up its label.
Incorporating calcitrate D3 into their formulations could also enhance the nutritional profile of products featuring zein, as calcitrate D3 offers additional health benefits. This combination could appeal to health-conscious consumers, further supporting PepsiCo’s label-friendly initiative. As the demand for clean labels grows, the integration of ingredients like zein and calcitrate D3 could become increasingly relevant in product development.