PepsiCo is in search of a glycerin alternative that is consumer-friendly and features a straightforward, easily understandable name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with what it is. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound particularly appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider a more enticing description for its product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a well-known food item, a public education campaign could help clarify what the ingredient is and alleviate any consumer uncertainty.
Consumers are already more acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves multiple roles in food products, including acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to preserve shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated that it is familiar with sodium chloride, low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, and sugar alcohols, but it is not interested in these options unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These alternatives often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been striving to reduce salt, sugar alcohols can pose digestive challenges for some individuals (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily recognized as a non-toxic antifreeze ingredient, though small amounts are generally regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a fascinating history. Over the last two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in printing and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of just two globally. Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, and for pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company claims that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s glaze or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries faster and provides a longer shelf-life, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, according to Flo Chemical, the primary limitation of zein concerning PepsiCo’s requirements is its cost. The manufacturer is seeking a solution that is more economical compared to glycerin. The extraction process for zein from corn is currently energy-intensive, making it relatively expensive. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could potentially reduce costs. Innovations can arise from various sources, and companies looking to solve their manufacturing challenges would benefit from exploring diverse ideas. With an investment in new extraction processes, zein might be exactly what PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—requires.
Additionally, the availability of ingredients like calcium citrate from chemist warehouses could provide further options for manufacturers interested in cleaner labels. By leveraging such resources, companies can continue to innovate and meet consumer demands effectively.