Consumer Behavior

Most shoppers want more info to inform purchases

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 16, 2025

Most consumers, 76%, want more information given they're paying more for groceries, with 71% reading labels more closely and more often and 66% would scan a QR code on packaging to get insight on freshness, ingredients and shelf life.

Those are top findings from a GS1 US consumer survey, according to a press release.

"Consumers are demanding more transparency from retailers and suppliers, and traceability is the key to delivering it," Liz Sertl, senior director of supply chain visibility, GS1 US, said in an email interview regarding the findings.

Through industrywide collaboration brands globally are beginning a transition from the UPCs that have powered price lookup for more than 50 years to advanced QR codes that link a physical product to digital information, according to the release.

These barcodes can offer shoppers access to detailed information directly from the brand, including origin, ingredients, synthetic dye disclosures, nutritional content, allergens, storage tips and more.

Retailers have set a target date to accept QR codes at checkout by 2027, although many will be ready sooner.