PepsiCo is seeking a label-friendly alternative to glycerin that doesn’t come with a lengthy and complex chemical name. Zein appears to meet these requirements, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be particularly appealing, so the manufacturer might prefer a different label description. If zein is included in a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could help familiarize consumers with the ingredient and alleviate any confusion. Consumers are more accustomed to glycerin, which is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. It plays various roles in food, acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help retain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates its awareness of sodium chloride and other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols, stating that it is not interested in these options unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” These ingredients raise concerns for consumers who favor cleaner labels; manufacturers are striving to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily known as a non-toxic antifreeze ingredient, despite its small amounts being recognized as safe by the FDA.
Discovered in 1821, zein has a rich history. Over the past two centuries, it has been utilized in food and pharmaceuticals, in printing, and even as yarn for stockings in the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole producer of zein in North America and one of only two worldwide. Currently, zein is employed as a candy coating, on enriched rice, for dried fruits and nuts, in flavors, in pharmaceutical tablets, and in encapsulated and granulated ingredients.
Flo Chemical highlights that zein is a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries faster and extends shelf life, particularly under high humidity and heat. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, Flo Chemical acknowledges that zein’s cost is a drawback for PepsiCo, which is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. The high costs stem from the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract zein, which could potentially lower the ingredient’s price.
Innovations can arise from various sources, so companies addressing manufacturing challenges should explore diverse ideas. With investment in novel processes, zein could be the solution PepsiCo—or another manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—has been searching for. Additionally, calcium citrate 1040 might be considered in conjunction with zein as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve product formulations, providing further options for a cleaner label. As the industry evolves, the combination of zein and calcium citrate 1040 could pave the way for exciting developments in food products.