Why not all products are found using a barcode scanner - and where our data comes from
Matthias Schmid
July 19, 2021
In this article, we give you a look behind the scenes at how we process barcodes and where our product data comes from.
How does a barcode work?
A barcode, also known as a stripe code, is a machine-readable identification number. It makes products identifiable for commercial use and retail - ideally unique on a global scale.
The first barcode (Universal Product Code, abbreviated UPC) was introduced in 1973 in the USA. The commonly used UPC-A in the USA consists of 12 digits. It quickly becomes apparent that, aside from the country and the manufacturing company, not much information is contained within those 12 digits.
An EAN13 barcode - the machine-readable part on top, below the encoded 13-digit identification number. No more information is contained directly in the barcode. By VaGla - own work created in Inkscape based on the graphics by Grzexs, CC BY-SA 3.0
In Europe, three years later in 1976, the European Article Number (abbreviated EAN) was introduced. It is 13 digits long and compatible with the UPC system.
Identification scheme since 2015
Since 2015, the identification numbers used worldwide in commerce have been renamed to Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). It is 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits long and always contains a check digit to detect errors during machine reading.
How does one access the product data?
GS1 Germany GmbH based in Cologne is the only official provider of EAN8/EAN13 codes in Germany. Anyone who wants to sell a product with a barcode must purchase a unique barcode from there.
Up to 30 barcodes can be retrieved for free per day from there - however, without all the relevant sizes that are of interest for the storage of food. For example, the product name, the package size, and the nutritional values are missing.
As a test, I used the official barcode search of GS1 Germany called Gepir to look up a randomly selected item: A pack of Haribo from an Edeka in Munich. The barcode 8426617106201 immediately reveals the country that issued the barcode: The two digits on the left stand for Spain (84).
The search in Gepir yields the following result: Company name "HARIBO ESPAÑA S.A.U." as well as an address.
Unfortunately, we can't do much with this yet. Commercial use of the service is costly and does not provide us with the data we are interested in. At a minimum, these would be: name, quantity, nutritional values of the food, and information on any allergens it may contain.
The first pantry app with product data: Crowdsourcing
When we launched the first pantry app in the App Store in 2013, there wasn't even a barcode scanner - and accordingly, no product data was stored.
Each user had to enter their items manually, which was quite laborious. In December 2015, the time had finally come: We created a product database for the pantry, with which users still had to enter food items, but these were then shared among all users! This way, at least common items were usually already in the database, and the recording of stock or shopping became much faster.
However, over time, weaknesses of the approach have become apparent:
Thus, there was only one field per article for the product name - even though the app was also used internationally. People then filled in the name sometimes in Swedish, sometimes in English, sometimes in German.
Although the app had storage locations, it seems that these were not sufficient for organizing items for some users. Thus, cryptic category names like "30 Juice", "31 UHT Milk" quickly emerged, which were only understandable to the respective user.
Some users have meticulously transferred all nutritional values - others have completely skipped this part. The level of detail of the products varied accordingly. Excerpt from the product database of the Pantry App, where product names have been entered by different users in various languages.
The current Pantry WebApp
Before we released our current WebApp for public beta in 2019, we spent a long time searching for the right model regarding the product database. We considered how we could improve the quality of the existing data.
Ultimately, we have actively decided to stop using our own product database and instead switch to the open model of OpenFoodFacts.org. Here too, product data is maintained by volunteer users and stored in a publicly accessible database. However, the project has several advantages, as we will see in the following section.
Products can be accessed directly from OpenFoodFacts and used for one's own purposes. The product data is licensed under the Open Database License - this ensures the data can be used for any purpose - as long as newly added product data is contributed back - thus the crowd-sourcing effect is ensured through the license.
A few facts about OpenFoodFacts
- OpenFoodFacts was founded in France in May 2012
- Meanwhile, there are 1,875,095 product data from all over the world listed with barcodes
Compared to our first database, OpenFoodFacts has a very extensive data schema. For instance, name fields are provided for any language.
Additionally, OpenFoodFacts allows for the uploading of photos of the product, the list of ingredients, and the nutritional value table. This enables automated machine quality control of the entered nutritional information, significantly improving the quality of the data.
Everything that can be found on OpenFoodFacts about the bag of Haribo from the example above can be found here.
Pantry App and OpenFoodFacts
Since October 7, 2019, we have been retrieving product data from OpenFoodFacts and, of course, also contributing back for the benefit of all users.
Since then, our users have created 10,184 articles from scratch and edited 20,441 articles, mostly to add missing attributes.
With this, our users have created 0.5% of all articles in the global database - that's an impressive sum, from which users in Germany benefit especially! A heartfelt thank you at this point for the careful entry of data, which will be very conveniently available to all future users.
Although it may happen that individual products are not found when scanning, we believe in the approach: A product database maintained by users is independent of the interests of food manufacturers, can be expanded as needed, and is unrestrictedly usable for all future purposes.
So if you come across an article that is not found, and you have to enter it yourself - think of the many users who will also scan the article, they will thank you for your product entry! 😊
More clarity when shopping: How Open Food Facts and the Smantry app make nutrition transparent
Many foods look healthy at first glance – but what's really inside them? Are the nutritional values balanced? How processed is a product? And what impact does it have on our environment?
This is exactly where the Smantry-App comes in: It uses the globally open database Open Food Facts, to give you immediate clarity when scanning your items. But what's actually behind the colorful labels like Nutri-Score, NOVA or Eco-Score, that you encounter in the app?
Let's take a closer look at the background.
Open Food Facts: From the Idea to a Global Database
The journey began in 2012 with the founding of Open Food Facts – a non-profit organization that collects, analyzes, and makes food information freely accessible worldwide. The goal from the beginning was to provide consumers with scientifically substantiated information.
What started as a small project has now become a global platform with millions of products. And it is precisely this data that the Smantry-App uses to give you a clear overview directly on your smartphone.
An overview of the most important scores
1. Nutri-Score – how healthy is my product?
Since 2016, the Nutri-Score has been legally established in France – and it has quickly spread throughout Europe.
- A (green) means: very balanced.
- E (red) means: unbalanced, enjoy in moderation.
The rating is based on calories, sugar, salt, saturated fats – but also on positive factors such as fiber, protein, and the proportion of vegetables.
👉 So in the Smantry app, you can see at a glance whether a food item fits into your everyday life – or perhaps should be on the table less often.
2. NOVA-Score – how processed is it?
Not only the ingredients, but also the degree of processing plays a significant role for health. This is exactly what the NOVA-Score (integrated into Open Food Facts since 2018) shows you:
- 1 = unprocessed or minimally processed (e.g., fresh fruit, plain yogurt)
- 2 = ingredients such as vegetable oils, sugar, flour
- 3 = processed foods (e.g., bread, cheese, canned goods)
- 4 = highly processed products ("Ultra-Processed Food"), often with additives, flavors, and industrial processes
👉 With the Smantry app, you can instantly tell if a product is still 'close to nature' – or if it falls into the category of being highly processed.
3. Eco-Score (soon to be Green-Score) – how sustainable is my shopping?
Since 2019, Open Food Facts also includes an environmental assessment: the Eco-Score. It takes into account, among other things:
- CO₂ emissions from production and transportation,
- Packaging and recyclability,
- Origin and seasonal factors.
The rating is – similar to the Nutri-Score – from A (very eco-friendly) to E (less sustainable).
By 2025, this will become the Green-Score, which will take into account even more detailed data and thus provide you with even better guidance for sustainable consumption.
👉 For you in the Smantry app, this means: You can see not only whether a food is healthy for you, but also whether it is good for our planet.
What this means for you as a Smantry user
Currently, you can scan your products in the Smantry-App and view many details. The scores themselves are not yet integrated – but the integration is planned.
This means: Soon you will be able to see not only the nutritional values of a product but also how healthy, processed, or sustainable it is – all directly in your app.
Conclusion: Your Smart Nutrition Compass
The colorful labels are much more than pretty symbols. They are your quick compass in everyday life – whether you want to shop with health consciousness, reduce highly processed products, or pay attention to the environment.
With the Smantry-App you already have strong support for more transparency while shopping. And with the planned integration of the scores, it will become even more valuable – your smart nutritional compass for the future.
Cooking with the Future: Augmented Reality and Smart Interfaces for Your Recipes
That’s exactly what augmented reality (AR) and smart interfaces bring to the table. They project digital information where you need it most: into your cooking environment. This makes it easier to stay organized, cook more efficiently, and even reduce waste – because less stress in the kitchen often means fewer forgotten or spoiled ingredients.
And here’s where Smantry comes in. The app already helps you keep track of your pantry, avoid food waste, and stay in control of your kitchen. With upcoming features like leftover-based recipe suggestions, you’re already stepping into the smart kitchen future today.
👉 Bottom line: The kitchen of tomorrow is here – and it’s efficient, sustainable, and surprisingly fun.
The best kitchen tools to turn leftovers into delicious dishes 🍲✨
Hand on heart: Each of us has them – those little leftovers in the fridge or pantry that somehow never get properly planned for. But it's exactly these remnants that can often be turned into the most creative and delicious dishes! All you need are a few clever kitchen tools that make the work easier and get the best out of your ingredients.
Here are our favorites:
🥣 1. The powerful blender
Smoothies, soups, dips – a good blender transforms leftover vegetables, fruit, or even bread into a new dish in seconds. Perfect when bananas are a bit brown or the vegetables no longer look crisp.
🔪 2. A sharp chef's knife
Sounds simple, but a really good knife is worth its weight in gold. It allows you to cut vegetable and meat scraps precisely and quickly. Moreover, cooking is just more fun when you have the right tools.
🍳 3. A cast iron skillet
The all-rounder in the kitchen: fried potatoes made from leftover boiled potatoes, frittatas with yesterday's vegetables, or crispy bread cubes from stale bread – everything tastes twice as good in a cast-iron skillet.
🥕 4. Vegetable Peeler & Grater
A modest tool with a big impact: grate carrot leftovers, turn zucchini into noodles, or finely shred cheese remnants. With a peeler and grater, you bring variety to your leftover cooking.
🥡 5. Storage Containers & Screw-top Jars
Without proper storage, nothing works. You can keep leftovers fresh, transport them, or even prepare them for the next meal prepping. Tip: Jars are also great for serving small amounts in style.
🌱 6. Kitchen Scale
It's practical to know exactly how much is left over, especially with leftovers. This way, you can adjust recipes and avoid waste.
🥄 7. Personal Blender
The little brother of the blender – perfect for soups or sauces right in the pot. When only a small amount needs to be processed, it's super convenient.
How Smantry additionally helps you 📲
With the Smantry App you can not only keep an eye on your supplies, but soon you'll also be able to discover recipes for your leftovers. This way, you'll immediately know which tool to take out of the cupboard to save your food and create something new.
👉 Because good tools and the right app are the perfect combo to combat food waste.
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!