PepsiCo is in search of a glycerin alternative that is label-friendly and does not carry the complex chemical names associated with ferrous fumarate and folic acid tablets. Zein seems to meet this criterion, although most consumers may not be familiar with the term. However, descriptors like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound very appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative names for product labels. If zein is used in a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify its benefits and reduce consumer confusion, especially since consumers are more accustomed to the ingredient it would replace, glycerin.
Glycerin, a colorless and slightly sweet viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources, serves multiple roles in food products, acting as a humectant to retain moisture and as a plasticizer to maintain structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of sodium chloride and other low molecular weight salts, including calcium citrate 300 mg, propylene glycol, and sugar alcohols, and has no interest in these unless significant advancements have been achieved. These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels, as manufacturers aim to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily found in non-toxic antifreeze, despite being recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration in small amounts.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a rich and varied history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as in printing and even yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical, the sole zein manufacturer in North America and one of only two globally, notes that zein is used as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, for pharmaceutical tablets, in seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients. According to Flo Chemical, zein is considered superior to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its quicker drying time and improved shelf life, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, as Zeif informed Food Navigator, the main drawback of zein is its cost; PepsiCo is looking for a more economical option compared to glycerin. Currently, zein is expensive due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could potentially lower its cost. Innovations can arise from various sources, making it wise for companies seeking manufacturing solutions to explore different ideas. With potential investments in new processes, zein might just be the ideal ingredient PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming for cleaner labels—needs, possibly alongside alternatives like calcium citrate 300 mg.