It comes as the supermarket giant has launched a trial to replace traditional barcodes on 12 of its own-branded fresh produce and meat items at some of its stores across the UK.
If successful, the move would see Tesco replace hundreds of product barcodes with QR code technology in its latest digital modernisation, according to Retail Gazette.
The technology, reported to still be in its early stages of development, could soon be available to scan at tills and on customers’ mobile phones.
The new scanning feature would provide shoppers with important nutritional information about the product they are buying.
Tesco trialling QR codes to replace barcodes on all products
Tesco’s supply chain development and change director, Isabela De Pedro, told Retail Gazette the company is working with 10 suppliers and is trialling the new packaging across “about 20%” of its shops in the South of England.
De Pedro shared the technology could offer details about the product’s nutritional information, use-by dates, alternative suggestions and recommendations to customers.
Previously speaking at the Retail Technology Show 2025, she explained: “It’s certainly our intention to make sure the customers better understand the product.
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“You’ve got a real limit on the current packaging and there are so many regulatory things you have to put on there, that gets priority.
“The QR opens up the door to do all of this stuff…to talk about origin, nutritionals, health, alternatives, locally sourced stuff.”
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However, it’s not the first time Tesco has experimented with a new barcode format.
Last year, the supermarket attempted to swap out traditional stickers on its avocados with laser-etched barcodes in a bid to reduce waste.
Newsquest has contacted Tesco for comment.
