Decolorized and/or deodorized zein from corn products may be recovered in high yields using zeolite adsorbents. A solution of a zein-containing corn product in an aqueous alcohol solvent is contacted with a zeolite adsorbent under conditions effective for adsorption of color and odor impurities in the corn product onto the zeolite. Following this contact, the treated solution may be separated from the adsorbent and recovered, yielding substantially pure zein dissolved in the aqueous alcohol solvent. Optionally, the zein may be further purified by subsequently contacting the treated solution with an activated carbon adsorbent or a mixture of activated carbon and zeolite adsorbents to adsorb any residual color and/or odor impurities therefrom.