French app Yuka has been gaining popularity this year with its barcode scanning system that helps consumers make informed decisions about their purchases.
Launched in 2017, the app allows users to scan the barcodes of food and personal care products, rating each item and providing detailed information about their health impact and any ‘additives to avoid’. If a product is deemed unhealthy, Yuka suggests a healthier alternative. The app seems to have a real impact on purchase behaviour, with Yuka’s data showing that 94% of customers have stopped buying certain products when it receives a bad rating from the app.
Yuka is known for its independence and objectivity in rating and recommending products. Instead of using in-app advertising, it generates revenue through a premium version which provides additional features and a nutrition programme.
Food product analysis is based on three criteria: nutritional quality, the presence of additives and whether it is organic. The app has faced legal action and antitrust investigations from food and cosmetics giants, but it has also forced some positive change. French supermarket Intermarché has committed to changing the recipes for 900 products to eliminate the presence of 142 additives.
In 2021, an ‘Eco-Store’ feature was added to provide information about products’ environmental impact.
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