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Zein

Zein suppliers and sourcing guide

Zein is the main storage protein of corn, extracted from corn gluten meal, a by-product of corn wet milling. The meal is extracted with aqueous alcohol, and the zein is precipitated, washed and dried into a yellow to off-white powder. It does not dissolve in water but does dissolve in aqueous ethanol, where it forms clear, glossy films. Brands buy it as a glaze and coating for confectionery, nuts and tablets, as an alternative to shellac, and as a film or encapsulation material.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Corn zein · Zein powder · Corn protein · CAS 9010-66-6
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of zein

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Regular (yellow) zein

    Standard grade with natural corn pigments, used where color is not critical.

  • Decolorized zein

    Grades with pigments removed for clear, light-colored coatings.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Zein meeting the NF monograph for tablet coatings and binders.

  • Coating solutions

    Ready-to-use zein solutions in ethanol for confectionery and tablet glazing.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Protein content
Nitrogen by Kjeldahl or combustion, converted to protein, on a dry basis.
Moisture and ash
Loss on drying and residue on ignition against the specification.
Residual solvents
Residual isopropanol, ethanol or hexane by GC, depending on the extraction process.
Color
Visual or instrumental color, which matters for clear coatings.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS against the supplier specification or the buyer's own limits.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms or E. coli, and Salmonella, which matter most when the ingredient goes uncooked into powders, capsules or tablets.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place; zein powder is stable when dry but can clump with moisture, and solutions in ethanol are flammable and must be kept closed. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock is retested for moisture and solubility.

Lots and expiry dates

Color and protein content vary by lot and source and affect film clarity. Record both per lot, and note that zein is a corn protein if you track corn as an allergen or sensitivity concern.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Zein suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking zein suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell zein? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of zein can brands buy?

Common forms include regular (yellow) zein, decolorized zein, pharmaceutical grade and coating solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for zein include?

Expect protein content, moisture and ash, residual solvents, color, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should zein be stored?

Store sealed in a cool, dry place; zein powder is stable when dry but can clump with moisture, and solutions in ethanol are flammable and must be kept closed. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock is retested for moisture and solubility.

What is the regulatory status of zein?

21 CFR 184.1984 describes zein as a component of corn gluten produced by extraction with alkaline aqueous isopropyl alcohol, and affirms it as GRAS for use as a surface-finishing agent. Health Canada's List of Permitted Glazing and Polishing Agents allows zein as a glazing agent in unstandardized confectionery at up to 1.0%. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists zein with allowed oral non-medicinal purposes of binder and coating agent.

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