There’s a QR Code On My Soda, What’s it For?
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be easily printed on the labels of sodas and bottled drinks
- The codes on beverage labels can link to websites, social media pages, giveaways, and more
- Codes can also provide additional information related to the product and brand
Whether you’re a coffee person, a tea drinker, or love a good old soda pop, you’ve likely purchased a prepackaged drink in a store. I know that I have a bit of a Diet Coke addiction myself, I think I’ve had 6 in the process of writing this piece.
But have you ever looked at the label or can and noticed a small square code near the nutritional information? What is it? What does it do? Should I scan it? If you’ve asked any of these questions, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this piece I will go over QR codes and the ways they’re commonly used on drink packaging. I’ll also cover the benefits of these codes as well as answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
So let’s get started!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to access the data within. They typically appear as small black and white squares made of even smaller black and white squares or dots, almost like a mixed up chess board, although they can be customized and appearances can vary.
Scanning these codes can allow you to easily do things like sign into WiFi networks, access websites, view files, and much more. These codes are easy to create through a service like QR Code Developer, can be customized, and monitored.
These codes can be placed just about anywhere you can print a simple image, like on a sticker, poster, flyer, advertisement, or in this case, the label on a soda bottle or the design on a can.
How are QR codes used on sodas and bottled drinks?
There’s a few different things that the QR code on your drink label might be. Here’s a few options below:
Ingredients and additional information
A QR code can be made to redirect to a website or a text document displaying all of the ingredients and nutritional information. This is handy because there’s only so much space that can be used on a drink label, and a digital page can display much more information.
Additionally, this can be especially helpful for disabled individuals who struggle to read the tiny text on a drink label, as they can pull up the document on their phone and either zoom in on the text or have their device read it to them.
Official website
Scanning the code on your drink label could also take you to the official website for the brand or specific company that makes the drink. Here you can pretty much find out anything you need to know about the company and product and see what else they can provide.
Social media
The code may also lead you to one of the social media pages for the brand or drink, whether that be the official Twitter/X, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and much more.
Subscribing to a social media account can allow you to stay up to date on any news regarding the product as well as get access to limited time deals and coupons.
Giveaways and rewards programs
Giveaways and rewards programs for products, like sodas and bottled drinks, have been around for decades, but they became far easier to engage with in the digital age. No longer do you have to save receipts and labels to mail in or type up a long and complicated code from the bottle cap into a web page. All you need to do is open the app, scan the code, and you’re all set!
Most major drink brands have programs like this, including Coca-Cola’s Coke Rewards, Olipop’s Rewards program, and Pepsico’s Joy.
Limited time sweepstakes and giveaways can also be accessed via the QR codes on drink packaging.
Recipes
Did you know that there’s more you can do with a soda or bottled beverage than just opening and drinking it? You can create your own flavor concoctions, often called a dirty soda, where you mix popular drinks with other ingredients.
The code on your drink could give you some recipes or instructions on how to do just that and get far more out of your beverage than you thought possible.
Reordering
This one is more for stores, restaurants, and other drink distributors, but it’s also possible to reorder your stock of sodas bottled drinks all from a QR code on the pallet or order sheet. This means you won’t have to call up a representative or fill out an online form. Just scan and order more!
Benefits of using QR codes on drink products
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the QR code on my drink label do?
A: Scanning the QR code on your drink label will likely take you to an official website, social media page, or the product ingredients.
Q: Where can I find a QR code on a bottled drink?
A: QR codes can be found somewhere on the outside of the drink packaging, usually on the back near the product ingredients. They can be either on a plastic bottle label, a can design, or on the cardboard box housing all the drinks.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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