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Have you ever turned over the packaging of a food product you were eating and saw a strange, square like code next to the nutritional facts? Have you ever wondered what it is and why they put that there? What does it mean? Can I interact with it?
That square is what’s known as a QR code, which is a special kind of image that can be scanned by a smart device in order to access information as well as a variety of media.
Food and beverage companies have been using these in recent years as a way to deliver information and content to consumers that may not be able to fit on a box or a label.
In this piece I will go over how QR codes are used on food packaging, what companies use them, as well as the most popular food based QR code. So let’s unwrap and get started!
What are QR codes?
QR codes are square images containing high contrast squares that make up a code. This code can be scanned by the camera of a phone, tablet, or other device in order to access a variety of content and information.
These codes can be used to access and distribute such things as images, files, contact information, websites, videos, social media platforms, and much more. Since QR codes exist in the real world as simple 2D images, they can easily be printed and displayed on posters, fliers, business cards, and other methods that can easily be scanned by a smart device.
How are QR codes used on food packaging?
QR codes are most commonly used on food packaging either to provide additional information on ingredients and nutritional facts or as an easy way to access the official website or social media of the product or company that makes said product.
Food packaging labels only offer so much space, which is why some companies opt to add a QR code as a way to communicate information that may not fit onto the package.
QR codes can also be used as a method to distribute bespoke coupon codes to paying customers. Since dynamic QR codes can be changed after their creation, deals can be updated and made available to the consumer at a moment’s notice.
Smart Label
Smart Label is a type of QR code found on over 100,000 products from over 1,000 brands. These codes can be found on the packaging of food products, drinks, pet supplies, and various household goods.
In addition to nutritional facts, scanning a Smart Label can provide you with allergen information, recycling steps, recipes, facts on the company, and more! Brands that use Smart Label include Coca Cola, Pepsico, Carnation, Hershey’s, Oscar Meyer, and Heinz.
Conclusion
By now, it should be no secret as to why so many food and beverage companies opt to include a QR code on their products’ packaging. There’s only so much space on a pre-existing label, and QR codes offer virtually limitless options for extra information and offers relating to their products.
If you are interested in learning more about how QR codes can be used in a variety of ways, we have plenty of blogs on this very site. In addition, if you want to get started on creating your own QR codes, then you can do just that with the free tools available on QR Code Developer. Get started today and see just how easy it is!