PepsiCo is searching for a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and does not feature a lengthy or complex chemical name. Zein appears to meet this requirement, although many consumers may not recognize it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be very appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative descriptions for their product labels. If zein is incorporated into a high-profile food item, launching an educational outreach campaign to familiarize consumers with the ingredient could alleviate confusion, especially since they are already more accustomed to glycerin. Glycerin is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources, serving multiple roles in food products, such as a humectant to retain moisture and a plasticizer to maintain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo expresses that it is already aware of—and uninterested in—sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers are under pressure to reduce salt content, while sugar alcohols can be hard for some people to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol, which is primarily an ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, has received generally recognized as safe status from the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first discovered in 1821, boasts a rich and varied history. Over the past two centuries, it has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, for printing applications, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is currently the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two worldwide. According to Flo Chemical, zein is utilized as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, for pharmaceutical tablets, and in seeds, as well as for encapsulated and granulated ingredients.
The Massachusetts-based company has highlighted that zein is deemed a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its faster drying time and extended shelf life, particularly in high humidity and heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, the only shortcoming of zein, as noted by Flo Chemical, is its cost—PepsiCo is looking for a more economical solution compared to glycerin. Currently, zein is expensive because of the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods for protein extraction that could lower costs.
Innovative solutions can arise from various sources, making it wise for companies facing manufacturing challenges to explore different ideas. With potential investments in new extraction processes, zein could indeed be the answer PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to simplify its label—has been seeking. Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like Citracal Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D Maximum could complement the efforts to create cleaner product formulations. By integrating such ingredients, PepsiCo could enhance the nutritional profile of its products while addressing consumer demand for transparency and quality.