PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin substitute that is consumer-friendly and has a simple, straightforward name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, although most consumers may not be familiar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “protein coat” may not sound appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider using a different label description. If zein is incorporated into a high-profile food product, an educational outreach campaign could help clarify the ingredient for consumers, especially since they are more accustomed to glycerin. Glycerin is an odorless, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources and serves various roles in food products, acting as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help preserve shape and structure.
In its NineSights request, PepsiCo indicates that it is already aware of — and uninterested in — sodium chloride or other low molecular weight salts, propylene glycol, or sugar alcohols unless “significant advancement has been achieved.” These ingredients often raise concerns among consumers seeking cleaner labels. Manufacturers are trying to reduce salt content, sugar alcohols can be hard to digest (including glycerin), and propylene glycol is commonly found in non-toxic antifreeze, despite small amounts being recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
Zein, first identified in 1821, boasts a rich history, finding applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, 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 just two globally. According to Flo Chemical, 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.
The Massachusetts-based company has noted that zein is regarded as a superior coating compared to confectioner’s glaze or pharmaceutical glaze, as it dries more quickly and provides a longer shelf life, especially in high-humidity and high-heat environments. Zein is also gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural. However, Flo Chemical acknowledged that zein’s cost is a drawback for PepsiCo, which seeks a more economical solution compared to glycerin. The extraction of zein from corn is currently energy-intensive and expensive. Nevertheless, biochemists are exploring innovative extraction methods that could reduce costs.
As companies search for solutions to their manufacturing challenges, it’s wise for them to explore diverse sources for inspiration. With potential investments in new processes, zein might just be the answer that PepsiCo — or any other manufacturer looking to enhance their label — is searching for. This innovation could also align with efforts to celebrate calcium soft chews, providing an appealing option for consumers. By leveraging zein, brands can enhance their product offerings, including popular items like calcium soft chews, while maintaining a cleaner label that resonates with health-conscious consumers.