Can You Scan Barcodes at Tesco for Nutrition Info?
Yes, absolutely. Every packaged product at Tesco (and most fresh items) has a barcode containing the product's unique EAN-13 or UPC identifier. When you scan this barcode with a nutrition tracking app, it instantly retrieves the full nutrition breakdown: calories, macros, vitamins, allergens, and ingredients.
You don't need Tesco's official app—third-party nutrition scanners like NutraSafe, MyFitnessPal, and Yuka work perfectly with Tesco barcodes. These apps have databases containing millions of UK supermarket products, including Tesco's own-brand and name-brand items.
Best Apps for Scanning Tesco Barcodes
1. NutraSafe (Recommended for UK)
Why it's best for Tesco: Built specifically for UK supermarkets with comprehensive Tesco database coverage, including Tesco Finest, Tesco Everyday Value, and Tesco Free From ranges. Tracks vitamins and minerals alongside calories.
- ✓ 5 free barcode scans per day (no subscription required)
- ✓ Instant allergen warnings based on your profile
- ✓ Tracks ~25 vitamins and minerals, not just calories
- ✓ Food additive safety ratings (E-numbers)
- ✓ Clean interface with no ads
- ✓ Apple Health integration
Cost: Free with 5 scans/day. Premium £2.99/month for unlimited.
2. MyFitnessPal
Why it's popular: Huge user database and brand recognition. However, barcode scanner now locked behind premium subscription (£19.99/month).
- ✓ Massive food database
- ✗ Barcode scanner requires premium subscription
- ✗ Heavy ads on free version
- ✗ Doesn't track micronutrients
3. Yuka
Why it's unique: Focuses on food additive safety and health scores rather than calories. Great for checking if Tesco products contain concerning ingredients.
- ✓ Completely free barcode scanner
- ✓ Health scores for all products
- ✓ Additive warnings
- ✗ Doesn't track your daily intake
- ✗ No calorie logging
How to Scan Tesco Barcodes (Step-by-Step)
Download a Barcode Scanner App
Download NutraSafe, MyFitnessPal, or Yuka from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Open the app and grant camera permissions when prompted.
Find the Barcode on Your Product
Most Tesco products have the barcode on the back or bottom panel. Fresh items (meat, fish, bakery) usually have barcodes on sticker labels.
Tap the Scan Button in the App
In NutraSafe, tap the "Scan" button on the main screen. In MyFitnessPal, tap the barcode icon next to the search box. Your camera will activate.
Align the Barcode in the Frame
Hold your phone 10-15cm away from the barcode. Centre the barcode in the on-screen frame. The app will automatically detect and scan it (no need to press any button).
Review Nutrition Information
The app displays full nutrition data: calories, protein, carbs, fats, fibre, sugar, salt. NutraSafe also shows vitamins, minerals, and allergen warnings.
Add to Food Diary (Optional)
If tracking your intake, select portion size and add to your daily log. The app calculates your running calorie total for the day.
Example: Popular Tesco Products You Can Scan
Tesco Chicken Breast Fillets
Tesco Free From Bread
Tesco Greek Yogurt
💡 Pro Tip: Scan Before You Buy
Scan products while shopping at Tesco to compare nutrition between similar items. For example, scan three different pasta sauces to find the lowest-calorie or highest-protein option. This helps you make better choices in real-time rather than guessing.
Does Barcode Scanning Work with Tesco Clubcard Prices?
Yes, absolutely. Clubcard Prices don't change the product's barcode—they only change the price at checkout. The barcode still links to the same nutrition information regardless of whether you're paying the Clubcard Price or standard price.
Nutrition scanning apps retrieve data from the product's barcode (EAN-13 number), which is tied to the product formulation, not the pricing structure. So whether a product costs £2 or has a Clubcard Price of £1.50, scanning the barcode returns identical nutrition data.
What If a Tesco Product Doesn't Scan?
Occasionally, a barcode won't scan or won't be in the app's database. This happens most often with:
- Newly launched products: Takes 1-2 weeks for nutrition databases to update
- Tesco Counters (deli, bakery, butcher): Fresh items prepared in-store may not have barcodes or nutrition data
- Damaged barcodes: Scratched or torn packaging prevents scanning
What to Do When Scans Fail:
- Use text search: Type the product name in the app's search bar. Most products have manual entries.
- Scan a similar product: If "Tesco Finest Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce" doesn't scan, try scanning "Tesco Everyday Tomato Pasta Sauce" as a close estimate.
- Check the back of pack: Manually enter nutrition info from the label if needed.
- Report missing products: Apps like NutraSafe allow you to submit missing barcodes for database updates.
Tesco Barcode Scanning FAQs
Can I scan Tesco products at home?
Yes! Save time by scanning products at home while meal prepping or logging yesterday's meals. Many people scan items when putting away groceries to pre-log meals for the week.
Do I need internet to scan Tesco barcodes?
Yes, usually. Most apps require internet to query their nutrition databases. However, NutraSafe caches previously scanned items, so if you've scanned a product before, it works offline.
Are Tesco own-brand products in nutrition databases?
Yes, extensively. Tesco's own-brand ranges (Tesco Everyday Value, Tesco Finest, Tesco Free From) are well-represented in UK nutrition apps. Coverage is better than smaller supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi.
Can I scan Tesco meal deal items?
Absolutely. Every sandwich, snack, and drink in Tesco meal deals has a scannable barcode. This is perfect for tracking lunch calories—scan all three items and add them to your diary.
Do barcode scanners work with Tesco's reduced-to-clear items?
Yes. The yellow "Reduced to Clear" sticker doesn't cover the barcode, and the nutrition info remains unchanged. Scanning reduced items works identically to full-price items.
Top 5 Tips for Scanning at Tesco
- Scan in good lighting: Tesco's fluorescent lighting is perfect. Avoid shadows from your hand.
- Clean your camera lens: Smudges cause failed scans. Wipe with your shirt if needed.
- Hold steady for 1-2 seconds: Let the app focus before moving. Rushed scans fail more often.
- Scan fresh items at the shelf: Don't wait until checkout—you'll forget which products you grabbed.
- Create a "Tesco Favourites" list: Most apps let you star frequently bought items for quick re-logging without rescanning.
Track Tesco Products with NutraSafe
Scan any Tesco product for instant nutrition info. Track calories, macros, and ~25 vitamins. 5 free scans daily. No ads. Allergen warnings included.
Download NutraSafe (Free)