New GS1 US Survey Finds Consumers Are Reviewing Food Labels More Closely as Grocery Prices Rise

With Little Relief From Higher Food Costs, 76% of Shoppers Want More Information To Inform Their Purchases

EWING, N.J., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new GS1 US consumer survey found that 33% of U.S. adults expect to pay more for food this summer compared to last summer due to inflation and nearly half (47%) expect to pay the same, suggesting 80% report feeling no relief from high grocery prices. 

With rising food costs and summer gatherings nearing, U.S. consumers are paying closer attention to food labels and seeking smarter ways to shop. The survey also showed that more than three-quarters (76%) of consumers want more information due to higher food costs, with 71% saying that they are reading labels more closely and often. Additionally, 66% said they would scan a QR code on food packaging to access information such as freshness, ingredients and shelf life.

"Shopping behaviors are shifting, and consumers are scrutinizing products and labels more than ever at the point of purchase to ensure they align with their preferences and budgets," said Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US. "Consumers want more transparency, and our digital world can provide real-time access to the information they seek. QR codes powered by GS1 are emerging on product packaging to help shoppers retrieve more-trusted real-time product details via a smartphone scan —supporting smarter, more confident decisions at the shelf."

Through industrywide collaboration facilitated by GS1 US, brands globally are beginning their transition from the UPCs that have powered price lookup for more than 50 years to new advanced QR codes powered by GS1 that link a physical product to digital information — while still going "beep" at checkout. These smarter 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 – a GS1 US initiative labeled Sunrise 2027.

Carpenter added, "While the impetus for the transition to QR codes powered by GS1 is to support consumer information needs, industry is also envisioning many other benefits. This includes streamlining crowded packaging labels, helping facilitate recalled items, automating discounts on demand and preventing expiring products from being sold. The uses cases for QR codes on packaging are vast and continue to evolve."

For more information about the way QR codes powered by GS1 are changing the way consumers eat, shop and live, visit www.gs1us.org/smarter. For more information about GS1 US, visit www.gs1us.org.

About GS1 US
GS1 US^® enables companies to power their supply chains to deliver safe, consistent, authentic, and trusted experiences. Best known as a source for UPC barcodes, GS1 is a not-for-profit, global data standards organization that creates a common language for companies to identify, capture, and share trusted data that links their physical and digital supply chains. Millions of businesses around the world power commerce with GS1 Standards. Learn more at www.gs1us.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-gs1-us-survey-finds-consumers-are-reviewing-food-labels-more-closely-as-grocery-prices-rise-302487454.html

SOURCE GS1 US