Flo Zein is a vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free range including Zein and Cozeen and is a corn protein film which can be applied to peanuts, roasted peanuts, walnuts and dried fruit.
Shelf life
The film extends the shelf life of the product because it locks in moisture and oxygen and acts as a microbial and insect barrier.
Rachel Freedman, president, Flo Chemical, told ConfectioneryNews, Flo Zein and its sister products can also be used as coatings for confectionery (chocolate coated centres, gummies) or as a vegan alternative to confectioner’s glaze (shellac) and as moisture control in healthy snack bars, coffee beans and snack chips.
“The product is developed by us and our partnership with Thew Arnott came about through our links in the confectionery industry and a market requirement for a vegan alternative for shellac,” she said.
“Flo Zein has been on the market since the 1980s originally through Freeman Industries and then through Flo Chemical.
“This is the first time it has been made available to the European confectionery industry via Thew Arnott. We expect it to be well received due to increased demand for natural confectionery products and products suitable for the vegetarian and vegan markets.”
Flo Zein is currently sold into the food and pharma markets and the growing nutraceutical area.
Market requirements
“The developments in the coatings field are driven by individual customer and market requirements, therefore continuous improvements will be made as required,” added Freedman.
“In January we introduced a line of agricultural products using the same technology to increase yields for seed storage and at planting and a variety of products post harvest for growers and processors.
"Zein is derived in the Freeman process which uses extrusion to pull the alpha zein protein from non-GMO corn.”
According to Flo Chemical, tests have shown nuts coated in Flo Zein maintain a better appearance, aroma and texture in comparison to products which have been coated with other plant-based coatings.
The corn protein film also acts as a natural adhesive to attach salt or other flavors, meaning there is no need for a sticking agent, keeping the ingredients as ‘clean’ as possible.
Zein and Cozeen are non-GMO, Kosher certified and Halal compliant.