Major beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper, are implementing a new initiative to provide consumers with more detailed information about the ingredients in their drinks. The change involves adding QR codes to cans and bottles, which link to a new online database called "Good to Know." This platform, led by the American Beverage Association (ABA), aims to offer greater transparency regarding product composition.
The "Good to Know" website will explain the purpose and regulatory standing of over 140 beverage ingredients, from common items like caffeine and citric acid to less familiar compounds. Consumers scanning the QR codes can also access safety assessments from regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Health Canada.
According to the industry, this move is intended to help consumers make more informed choices, especially as many are paying closer attention to the ingredients in their food and beverages. "Consumers want greater transparency and deserve to have confidence in the safety of their foods and beverages," stated American Beverage Association President and CEO Kevin Keane. Each ingredient page on the site provides details on what the ingredient is, its common uses in beverages, and summaries of safety findings from government agencies.
However, the site does not provide specific ingredient lists for individual products; consumers will still need to refer to the packaging for precise details on each drink. The rollout of these QR codes began earlier this year, with the ABA expecting full or near-full adoption across participating brands by the end of 2027.
This industry-led effort comes amid increasing consumer demand for ingredient transparency and follows public health initiatives. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized ingredient disclosure and reducing sugary drink consumption as part of his agenda. Previously, the Trump administration encouraged reporting on institutions that failed to meet federal dietary guidelines, and Kennedy has also voiced concerns about sugar content in beverages from major coffee chains.
The new QR code system is separate from the mandatory nutrition labels and serves to offer additional background information on ingredients that consumers might not recognize. While beverage companies have used QR codes previously for marketing and promotions, this marks a significant shift towards providing detailed ingredient information.
Public reaction to the increased transparency has been mixed, with some consumers welcoming the initiative while others question its scope. Online discussions reveal a long-standing desire for more detailed information, particularly concerning ingredients listed generically as 'natural flavors' or proprietary recipes. Some users highlighted the potential benefits for individuals with allergies, who face challenges in identifying potential allergens within broad ingredient descriptions. For consumers seeking more information about their beverages, these QR codes represent a potentially valuable new resource.