PepsiCo is seeking an alternative to glycerin that is label-friendly and has a straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers may not be familiar with what it is. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” might not be very appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative descriptions for product labels. If zein is incorporated into a prominent food item, an educational campaign to inform consumers about this ingredient could alleviate confusion.
Consumers tend to be more familiar with glycerin, which is a colorless, mildly sweet, viscous liquid derived from both plant and animal sources. It plays several roles in food products, acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help the product maintain its shape and texture. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicated that it is already aware of and not interested in sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless there have been significant advancements in these areas. All these ingredients raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. After all, manufacturers are attempting to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be challenging for some to digest (glycerin included), and propylene glycol is the main ingredient in non-toxic antifreeze, even though small amounts have been deemed generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
First identified in 1821, zein boasts a rich history. Over the last two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, printing, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical stands as the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is utilized 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. The Massachusetts-based company points out that zein is considered a superior coating compared to confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glaze because it dries more quickly and provides an extended shelf life, especially under high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
The only aspect where zein falls short of PepsiCo’s requirements is its cost; the manufacturer is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. Currently, zein’s high price is attributed to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. However, biochemists are exploring innovative methods to extract the protein, which could potentially lower the ingredient’s cost. Innovations can arise from various sources, making it wise for companies seeking solutions to their manufacturing challenges to explore diverse ideas. With an investment in new extraction processes, zein could be exactly what PepsiCo—or another manufacturer aiming to improve its label—needs.
In this context, the chemist warehouse calcium citrate plays an essential role as a supplement that can be used alongside other ingredients to enhance product formulations. As companies continue to innovate, the incorporation of alternative ingredients such as zein and calcium citrate may pave the way for cleaner labels and healthier food options.