Coke and Pepsi are rolling out QR codes linked to ingredient info

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Introduce QR Code Ingredient Transparency Initiative

Coke and Pepsi are rolling out QR - Starting soon, consumers can scan selected soda cans and bottles to access detailed nutritional data. The American Beverage Association announced that prominent member companies, such as The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper, and PepsiCo, will integrate QR codes into their packaging. These codes direct users to a centralized resource offering insights into the ingredients of various beverages.

Transparency and Safety Focus

“Consumers want greater transparency and deserve to have confidence in the safety of their foods and beverages,” said American Beverage Association CEO Kevin Keane in a statement. The initiative aims to address growing demand for clear information about what goes into popular drinks.

“Consumers want greater transparency and deserve to have confidence in the safety of their foods and beverages,” American Beverage Association CEO Kevin Keane said in a statement.

The "Good to Know" website, developed by the trade group, catalogs over 140 ingredients found in different beverages. It includes definitions, product categories where each ingredient is commonly used, and global authorization details. While some entries are well-known, others—like Lion's Mane and L-Carnitine—may be less familiar to the average consumer.

Despite the comprehensive list, the site does not provide specific breakdowns for individual brands. As a result, users must still refer to the labels on their cans or bottles for precise ingredient details. Additional brands joining the QR code program include Celsius, Monster Energy, Polar Beverages, and Red Bull, reports NBC News.

This is not the first instance of soda brands leveraging QR codes. Coca-Cola has previously used them in promotional campaigns. The new initiative aligns with safety guidelines from global regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority, and Health Canada, according to the American Beverage Association.

Broader Health Efforts

The move coincides with ongoing efforts by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reduce reliance on sweetened beverages. Earlier this year, the Trump administration urged the public to report hospitals and nursing homes that served sugary drinks and meals failing to meet USDA dietary standards. Kennedy’s recent scrutiny of Starbucks and Dunkin’ for their sugar content has drawn criticism from both political figures and coffee enthusiasts.