PepsiCo is in search of a glycerin substitute that is more label-friendly and avoids complex chemical names. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although many consumers may not recognize it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound particularly appealing, prompting the need for a different label description. If zein were to be incorporated into a prominent food product, an educational outreach campaign could help familiarize consumers with this ingredient and alleviate any confusion. Consumers are already well-acquainted with glycerin, an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves multiple purposes in food, acting as a humectant to retain moisture and as a plasticizer to maintain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo mentions its familiarity with sodium chloride, propylene glycol, and sugar alcohols, indicating a lack of interest in these alternatives unless “significant advancements have been achieved.” All these ingredients raise concerns for consumers who prefer cleaner labels. Manufacturers are attempting to reduce salt content; sugar alcohols can be difficult for some people to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily known as a non-toxic antifreeze ingredient, albeit recognized as safe in small amounts by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, discovered in 1821, boasts a rich history. Over the last two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in printing and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is currently the sole manufacturer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. According to Flo Chemical, zein is utilized for candy coatings, enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavors, pharmaceutical tablets, and encapsulated and granulated ingredients. The Massachusetts-based company asserts that zein outperforms confectioner’s or pharmaceutical glazes due to its quicker drying time and extended shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, Zein noted to Food Navigator that the primary drawback is its cost, as PepsiCo is looking for a more economical option compared to glycerin. The extraction process of zein from corn is currently energy-intensive, resulting in higher prices. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring more efficient methods for extracting this protein, which may lead to a reduction in costs. Innovations can arise from various avenues, and companies seeking to address manufacturing challenges should explore diverse sources for potential solutions. With possible investments in new extraction processes, zein could be precisely what PepsiCo—or another manufacturer aiming to enhance its label—needs.
In the context of health supplements, products like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc can also be considered by consumers looking for additional nutritional support, and they may be more familiar with such options compared to zein. Integrating familiar ingredients like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc alongside innovations like zein could cater to a broader audience while addressing the demand for cleaner labels.