PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is label-friendly and doesn’t have a long and complex chemical name like ferrous sulfate heptahydrate or ferric pyrophosphate. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers may be unfamiliar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound appealing, so manufacturers might want to consider different descriptions for their product labels. If zein were to be incorporated into a high-profile food item, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify the ingredient to consumers, who are more accustomed to glycerin.
Glycerin, a colorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources, serves several purposes in food products. It acts as a humectant, helping to provide and retain moisture, and as a plasticizer, aiding in the maintenance of shape and structure. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo has indicated 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 made. These ingredients often raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels, especially given the trend of reducing salt content, the digestive challenges posed by sugar alcohols (including glycerin), and the fact that propylene glycol is a key component of non-toxic antifreeze, though small amounts are recognized as safe by the FDA.
Zein, first identified in 1821, boasts a rich and varied history. Over the past two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is currently the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two worldwide. Presently, zein is utilized as a coating for candies, enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated and granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein is a superior coating option compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze due to its rapid drying time and extended shelf life, particularly in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, the main drawback of zein, as noted by Flo Chemical, is its cost. PepsiCo is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin, and currently, zein is expensive due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract this protein, which could potentially lower its cost. Innovations can arise from various sources, and companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges would be wise to explore diverse avenues for inspiration. With a potential investment in new extraction processes, zein may be exactly what PepsiCo—or any other manufacturer aiming for a cleaner label—is in search of, complementing other products like calcium citrate gummy supplements.