How to Use QR Codes on Food Packaging and Labels

Last updated:   March 27, 2023

QR code on food packaging and labels is surfacing everywhere and it has become a common sight.

The market and business these days are facing tight and robust competition every now and then.     

There is a new brand entering the market with all fresh innovations, ideas, better marketing tactics, and long-term customer loyalty plans.  

As a matter of fact, this robust competition and awareness of the customers have made it impossible for conventional and rigid business ideas.  

Those who don’t opt for the latest techniques are extracted from the market in a second.

Therefore businesses are making sure they are adapting to the change, example of this change is the use of QR code as food packaging part.

The food industry or FMCG food industry is also one of the fastest-growing markets, thereby people involved in this business must think beyond regular techniques such as mainstream advertising. 

Today, QR codes are integrated everywhere including QR code for food products, tickets, banners, lottery tickets, table tents, flyers, etc.

What is the purpose of a QR code on a product label?

QR codes, in general, are used to connect customers to online information and they are mostly used in businesses, especially it is seen attached to products and manufacturing labels.

These codes are conveniently accessible and scannable using smartphone devices which makes them a go-to tech innovation for sharing information.  

There are so many types of QR codes used in marketing and product packaging and each QR code solution functions as a specific type.

Like the BlackPink Oreo QR code campaign that features exclusive content for fans and consumers alike. This strategy boosts the power of social media and fan culture. 

How to use QR codes on Food packaging? Different types of packaging

There are three different ways that you can incorporate a QR code for food products depending on the types of packaging:  primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.

In all of these phases a packaging goes through, QR codes definitely are useful and can be implemented anywhere! You can watch the video above or keep reading to learn more!

QR code for food products on primary packagingQR code on primary packaging

The primary packaging is the material that ~primarily~ envelops the item. Products or goods can come in many variations such as cartons, metal containers, cardboard, paper, glass, or plastics.

More commonly, we see contents and labels that surround the primary packaging such as the product’s ingredients list, warning or health signs, or expiration date.

Even more so, this type of packaging needs to be recognizable and visually appealing to purchasers. After that, it’s all in the hands of good packaging that customers are likely to buy what you offer!

With this,  how can you use a QR code food packaging?

For example, you can attach a video QR code or PDF QR code to showcase the origin of your product, how the food is processed, or the ingredients you use.

Video ads leverage user engagement among your customers and 78% of them are likely to purchase the product if it’s added with a video element that you cannot provide with printed labels. 

After all, we’re visual beings and we like to see with our very own eyes. 

QR code for food products on secondary packagingQR code on secondary packaging

This type of packaging refers to the container that does not directly hold the product item.

It could be a pack of food contained inside a box or a pack of cans in a cardboard box.

Similar to the primary packaging, labels on the secondary packaging can also include data or information such as the product’s expiration date, health benefits, warnings, or ingredients. 

There are multiple and creative ways you can implement QR Codes as food packaging for this type. You can make a QR code for your website, or E-store using a URL QR code, and increase your traffic.

Or better yet, you can redirect your customers to an online promotion using a coupon QR Code and lead them to discounted items! Who doesn’t like freebies, right?

Note: Never ever forget a call-to-action in your QR codes on the packaging! 

QR code for food products on tertiary packagingQR code on tertiary packaging

Tertiary packaging is the grouping/categorizing of your food products, goods, and items together for storage and hauling.

This includes cartons and corrugated boxes, cardboard boxes, etc. that are mainly for product shipping and transportation. And if you think there’s no room for marketing in this type of packaging, you are completely wrong.

You can definitely turn your tertiary packaging to market your brand or business. 

For example, you can use a business QR code or vCard QR code and attach it to your transport boxes to let your customers know what kind of food industry you are running.

Who knows, you might find yourself being contacted by a new customer or business partner. 

How to create QR codes for food packaging?

  • Go to the QR TIGER homepage.
  • Select the type of QR code solution you want for QR codes on food packaging
  • Click on static or Dynamic
  • Generate a QR code then personalize your QR
  • Test your QR code before downloading and printing. Make sure it scans. 
  • Deploy your QR code along with your packaging

5 tips on how to design your QR codes on packaging for a better outcome

Add color to your QR codes on food packaging

To make your QR code lively and attractive, adding colors and being creative are important.

Experiment with your brand theme and make your QR code visually attractive to your target audience for them to scan it.

Never Forget to Put a Call to Action

A frame and a call to action guarantee 80% more scans of your QR code.

Make your audience take action to scan it, so it is essential to add an appropriate CTA on your customized QR code.

Consider the correct QR code size on the packaging

The size of your QR code is one of the most important factors that can make or break your QR code implementation.

A QR code gives a digital dimension to your food packaging, so make sure people will notice it right away. Your QR code should be at least 2 x 2 centimeters in size.

It’s always to play safe than sorry; thus, printing your QR code larger for your packaging would be an advantage.

Consider the Right Placement

Give your QR code a central place in your product packaging so your customers will notice it instantly. It will improve your scanning rates!

Also, don’t print your QR codes on uneven surfaces that will crumple the image of your code, making it non-scannable.

Inspect the Material of Your Food Packaging

Since there is a wide array of packaging materials you can use. You need to be careful about choosing your product packaging material that reflects too much light, as this will compete with the quick scanning capability of your QR code.

Whichever kind you decide to print on, it’s important to use the best resolution possible.

Make sure that your QR code is printed in a high-quality image, so better download it in SVG format.

Moreover, don’t forget to do a scan test before printing to avoid any errors. 

Here’s how using QR codes on food packaging could help! 

Win the trust of your customerTrusted QR code on packaging

The consumer of today’s age is very aware because of the constant exposure to social media.

Thereby, you need to make sure you are taking them in the loop to win their trust.

Gone are the days when the customers consumed and ate anything and everything that was presented well and wrapped attractively.

They ask for the details about the ingredients or the core recipes.

It is possible for you to give them all they ask for by integrating QR codes on the packaging of your food item.

If you add the genuine origin of the ingredients and the complete details of who shall consume it.

All this with just a scan. QR codes can ensure your customers about all they want to know and much more.

This could be done through a short video that allows you to see the story of the product. It straight adds value for the consumer, with dynamic QR codes you can update your video at any time.

QR codes and the leading brandsQR codes on leading brands

There are several famous brands and business giants such as Nestle, who have very recently added a QR Code on their best-selling products such as the instant Maggi noodles.

However, this doesn’t restrict the use and availability of QR codes for big guns only.

There are a number of QR generators that can help even the newcomers in the field and they too can interact with their customers efficiently.

Exhibit your complete rangeQR codes on business brands

By using the QR codes you can also get to display your entire product line to your customers.

For instance, the products that are not so famous in the market yet can be exhibited by using the QR codes, and this can also potentially help boost their sales and get them more popular than before.

Augment the social awareness

QR code on social awareness packaging

There are different well-known brands that are using QR codes to redirect their customer to different social awareness campaigns such as TATA, Nestle, and Coca-Cola.

You can increase awareness about the issues such as the prevention of food wastage or feeding the poor through these QR codes.

This interactive dealing and customer engagement will not only increase customer loyalty but also help you work towards a real cause.

Using QR codes on food packaging gives a digital dimension to your product

Along with other numerous advantages of the QR Code is that it occupies limited space on your product and above all, it is tremendously cost-effective.

Even after the QR generation, you don’t have to engage in any complex procedure, it can be expediently managed and tracked using an online QR Code Management tool.

It’s important to make use of dynamic QR code on food packaging as they can help you in updating all your data behind your QR code like URL instantly.

Furthermore, Dynamic QR codes enable you to track valuable consumer data! Make your QR code on QR TIGER homepage.

brands using qr codes