PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and features a simple, straightforward name on labels. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be particularly appealing, suggesting that the manufacturer might prefer a different description for their products. If zein is used in a prominent food item, an educational campaign to inform consumers about this ingredient could help alleviate any confusion.
Consumers are much more acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. Glycerin serves multiple roles in food products, acting as a humectant to retain moisture and as a plasticizer to maintain shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of—and 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 difficult for some people to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is known as a primary ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, although small amounts are generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has a rich and varied history. Over the past two centuries, it has been utilized in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, in printing applications, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is used as a coating for candy, enriched rice, dried fruits, and nuts, as well as in flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients, as reported by Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein is a superior coating compared to traditional confectioners’ or pharmaceutical glazes, primarily due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf life, especially under high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, the only drawback that Zein has mentioned to Food Navigator regarding PepsiCo’s requirements is its cost. The manufacturer is looking for a more economical option compared to glycerin. Currently, zein is expensive due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Fortunately, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract this protein, potentially making it more affordable in the future. Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges should consider multiple avenues for inspiration. With an investment in new extraction processes, zein could prove to be exactly what PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming to improve its label transparency—is in search of, especially when combined with ingredients like calcium citrate 750 mg to enhance nutritional value.