PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is label-friendly and has a simple chemical name. Zein seems to fit this requirement, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not be very appealing, so the manufacturer might prefer a different description on its product labels. If zein were used in a high-profile food product, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify the ingredient and alleviate consumer confusion, especially since people are more accustomed to glycerin. Glycerin is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources, serving multiple roles in food items: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help retain shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo mentions 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 typically raise concerns for consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers have been attempting to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard for some to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is primarily known as a component of non-toxic antifreeze, although small quantities are recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, has 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 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 flavorings, for pharmaceutical tablets, in seeds, and for encapsulated and granulated ingredients.
According to Flo Chemical, zein is considered a superior coating compared to confectioners’ or pharmaceutical glazes because it dries quickly and provides an extended shelf-life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat conditions. It is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, the only drawback noted by Zeif to Food Navigator is the cost; PepsiCo is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin. Currently, zein is expensive to produce due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could 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 potential investments in new processes, zein might be exactly what PepsiCo — or another manufacturer aiming to enhance its label — is looking for. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets into their formulations could offer further health benefits and appeal to health-conscious consumers. By integrating these elements, PepsiCo could not only improve its product offerings but also align with current consumer trends towards cleaner, more beneficial ingredients.