The numbers speak for themselves: 90% of consumers believe authenticity matters when choosing brands to support.
During the years QR codes on packages have become powerful tools that connect limited label space with consumers who just need more consumer transparency in today’s information-driven world.
The pandemic pushed food QR codes into the spotlight and made them part of our daily lives. Research shows that 61% of consumers just need clearer information about what goes into their products. Brand transparency about food production matters to 94% of consumers.
The need to improve operations, product information encoding, and more has pushed GS1, the not-for-profit, international organization that develops and maintains standards for barcodes and data exchange, to the initiative called “Sunrise 2027” which will replace 1D barcodes, such as EAN and UPC, with 2D barcodes like Data Matrix and QR codes by the end of 2027.
In fact, in the last years, these simple QR codes on packages have gained more attention and they transformed from marketing tools into vital communication channels.
Products with QR codes are a great way to get measurable value.
This becomes even more relevant since 78% of consumers tend to buy items that include video content, something traditional labels can’t provide.
Food and beverage industry regulations keep changing. QR codes on product labels give brands economical solutions that adapt to compliance requirements. This piece explains everything you should know about finding, scanning QR codes, and getting the most from QR codes food labels.
What Are QR Codes on Food Labels?
QR codes on food labels are square-shaped, two-dimensional barcodes that store product information. Consumers can quickly access this information with their smartphone cameras. These codes serve as visual links that connect physical products to digital content. QR (it means “Quick Response”) codes can store substantially more data than traditional barcodes in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
How QR Codes Work on Packaging
The packaging QR codes work through a straightforward scan-and-access system. Users can scan the code with their smartphone camera or QR code reader app. The device then reads the pattern of black and white squares to retrieve the stored product information. The whole process takes seconds and sends users to websites, landing pages, or product-specific digital content.
Today’s smartphones come with built-in QR code readers, so separate apps aren’t needed anymore.
Why do Food Brands Use QR Codes?
Food companies put QR codes on their food packaging to boost consumer transparency and get customers more involved. Package space limits what brands can show, but QR codes let them share detailed product information that wouldn’t fit on a label. Research shows that 94% of consumers think food transparency matters when buying products. About 61% want clearer details about where ingredients come from.
QR codes offer brands key advantages in their operations. They can update digital content without new packaging, see how many people scan their codes, and meet new food labeling rules. Technology has caught on well: 75% of consumers have scanned QR codes on packaged goods.
Types of QR Codes Used in Food Packaging
Food packaging uses several QR code variations:
- Standard URL QR codes – Send consumers to product information websites
- PDF QR codes – Give access to certificates, QR code nutritional information, or QR code recipes
- Dynamic QR codes – Let brands change content after printing without new codes
- Landing page QR codes – Create custom web pages without needing a separate website
Digital Link QR codes take things further. These advanced codes put Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) into structured URLs. This means the same code works at checkout like a UPC while showing shoppers customized content.
QR Codes on Food Labels
Common Uses of QR Codes on Food Packaging
QR codes on food packaging do much more than just identify products. These pixelated squares give shoppers access to product information that wouldn’t fit on the package, so they help meet modern shoppers’ need for consumer transparency.
QR Codes for Accessing Nutritional and Allergen Info
QR codes on packaging play a vital role in providing detailed nutritional information. Studies show 56% of people with food allergies have experienced reactions because labels didn’t give enough information.
Shoppers can scan these QR codes to see complete nutritional details, ingredient lists, and clear allergen warnings. This becomes even more important since only 24% of allergy-conscious shoppers say they can find the allergen info they need on regular labels.
QR Codes for Tracking Food Origin and Traceability
Shoppers can trace their food from farm to table with QR codes. A quick scan reveals interactive maps that show a product’s complete experience. This feature builds trust and answers the needs of 61% of consumers who want to know more about where their ingredients come from. Many codes also highlight environmentally responsible practices and responsible farming methods. This connects to the overall supply chain story.
QR Codes for Viewing Recipes and Product Tips
Food packages with QR codes often connect shoppers to great recipe ideas. Scanning QR code reveals signature recipes, cooking guides, and helpful usage tips. The feature really clicks with younger consumers: 59% of 25–34-year-olds use digital devices while cooking. Some brands take it further by creating food blogs or community spaces where customers share their own recipes, which builds a stronger connection with their products.
QR Codes for Connecting to Social Media or Brand Stories
QR codes serve as windows into brand stories. Customers can watch videos about product origins, see how things are made, or learn about company history. These codes also link to social media where people can check out content, join promotions, loyalty programs or share their experiences with the brand, driving consumer engagement
QR Codes for Getting Customer Support or Feedback Forms
QR codes make customer service simple and direct. They connect people straight to support channels, feedback forms, or surveys. Microsoft reports that 52% of people worldwide think companies should act on customer feedback. This makes QR codes valuable tools for brands that want to stay responsive to their customers’ needs.
How to Read and Scan QR Codes on Food Products
QR code scanning on packages needs basic tech knowledge. Modern smartphones make this process simple with just a few steps.
How to Scan a QR Code Using Your Smartphone Camera
Smartphones manufactured after 2018 come with QR code readers built right in. Here’s how to scan food QR codes:
- Launch your camera app
- Aim at the QR code so it fits clearly in view
- Keep your phone steady while it reads the code
- Click the notification that shows up to see the linked content
You don’t need to capture a photo – your camera will detect the code automatically once you position it right.
What to Do if the QR Code Doesn’t Scan?
QR codes on packaging sometimes fail to scan due to common problems:
- Poor lighting – find a brighter spot or switch on your phone’s flash
- Unclear image – make sure your camera’s lens stays clean and clear
- Wrong distance – adjust by moving closer or stepping back
- Damaged code – let the staff know you need another way to access the product information
Tips for Older Phones or Non-Native QR Code Scanners
Phones with operating systems older than iOS 11 or Android 9 might not have built-in QR scanning. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a QR code scanner app from your device’s app store
- Android users can try Google Lens which works great for scanning
- Remember to allow camera access to your chosen scanner app
TIPS: Best Practices for Brands Using QR Codes
Brands can maximize their return on investment and consumer engagement when they use QR codes correctly on product packaging.
Choosing the Right QR Code Size and Placement
QR codes need a minimum size of 2 x 2 centimeters (0.8 x 0.8 inches) to scan properly. The codes work best when placed on flat, non-creasing packaging areas with high contrast. Larger codes become necessary for scanning from greater distances, following the 10:1 distance-to-size ratio.
Adding a Calls-to-Action and Brand Logo
QR codes that feature frames and calls-to-action get 80% more scans than plain ones. Simple QR code CTA like “Scan for nutrition info” or “Scan to verify origins” help consumers know what they’ll find. A brand logo can boost recognition when kept to 25% of the code’s width while maintaining easy scanning.
Using Dynamic QR Codes for Updates
Dynamic QR codes offer more flexibility than static ones because brands can change linked content without new packaging prints. This feature allows seasonal campaigns, A/B testing of landing pages, and quick updates to ingredient information or allergen warnings.
Ensuring Mobile-Friendly Landing Pages
Food QR code pages must load quickly – within three seconds – or 53% of users will leave. The landing pages should have tap-friendly buttons (minimum 48 pixels wide), responsive design (that ensures a website, application, or interface adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, resolutions, and devices), and clear Calls-to-Action.
QR Code on Product Label: All the Information Available
QR codes have revolutionized food packaging beyond simple containers into interactive product information hubs. These digital gateways help meet shoppers’ need for transparency. Research shows 90% of shoppers put authenticity first when choosing brands. On top of that, it lets consumers get detailed nutritional information, allergen warnings, and product origin stories with a simple scan. This helps them make better buying decisions.
Technology solves a key challenge – bridging the gap between limited physical label space and brands’ information needs. People scan QR codes on packaged goods more than ever, with 75% of consumers now using them regularly. Of course, this shows how modern shoppers want to know more about products than traditional labels can tell them.
Scanning these codes has become easier by a lot as smartphone technology has evolved. Users with current devices can just point their camera at the code to see its contents. Those with older phones can still use dedicated scanning apps to participate.
Food manufacturers and retailers find QR codes incredibly versatile. Dynamic codes let them update content without new package designs, so they save money while keeping information fresh. These digital tools are a great way to get consumer engagement data that helps brands improve their marketing approach.
Food labeling rules keep changing, and QR codes provide an adaptable solution that grows with new requirements. The technology ended up serving both consumers who want transparency and brands building trust through open communication. Companies can make their QR code strategy work better by following best practices about size, placement, and content. This helps them meet today’s consumers’ information needs.
Coming soon: The Hidden Power of Gamification Strategies: From Engagement to Loyal Customers
