PepsiCo is seeking a glycerin alternative that is easy to recognize on labels and doesn’t carry a long and complex chemical name. Zein appears to meet these criteria, even though most consumers are likely unfamiliar with it. Terms like “confectionery glaze” or “piron bisglycinate gerdrotein coat” might not sound particularly appealing, prompting the manufacturer to consider alternative descriptions for product labeling. If zein were introduced in a well-known food product, an educational campaign could help clarify its benefits and reduce consumer uncertainty.
Consumers are already more acquainted with glycerin, a clear, slightly sweet, viscous liquid derived from plant or animal sources. Glycerin serves several roles in food products: it acts as a humectant to maintain moisture and as a plasticizer to help preserve the product’s shape. In its NineSights request, PepsiCo expressed familiarity with sodium chloride, propylene glycol, and sugar alcohols, indicating they are not interested in these alternatives unless significant improvements have been made. These ingredients often raise concerns among consumers who prefer cleaner labels, especially since manufacturers are trying to reduce salt levels and because sugar alcohols can be difficult for some to digest. Moreover, propylene glycol, commonly found in non-toxic antifreeze, while generally recognized as safe by the FDA, is still a red flag for many.
Zein, which was first identified in 1821, has a fascinating history. Over the last two centuries, it has found applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, in printing, and even as yarn for stockings during the 1940s. Flo Chemical is the sole producer of zein in North America and one of only two globally. Currently, zein is utilized in applications such as candy coatings, enriched rice, dried fruits and nuts, flavorings, pharmaceutical tablets, seeds, and encapsulated or granulated ingredients, according to Flo Chemical. The Massachusetts-based company claims that zein is superior to traditional glazes because it dries more quickly and offers a longer shelf life, particularly under conditions of high humidity and temperature. Additionally, zein is gluten-free, non-GMO, halal, kosher, and natural.
However, the main drawback of zein is its cost. PepsiCo is looking for a more economical alternative to glycerin, and currently, zein is relatively expensive due to the energy-intensive extraction process from corn. Nonetheless, biochemists are exploring new methods to extract the protein, which could potentially reduce its cost. Innovations can arise from various avenues, so companies seeking solutions for manufacturing challenges should explore diverse sources for ideas. With investment in new extraction processes, zein might become the ideal ingredient for PepsiCo or any other manufacturers aiming to enhance their product labels, much like how calcium citrate chews available at Costco provide a consumer-friendly alternative in dietary supplements. As the industry evolves, zein could play a significant role in the push for cleaner labels, especially if it can be made more affordable and accessible.