Feature

Barcode scanner: exact nutrition from the label, instantly

For packaged food, guessing isn't necessary — the label already has the numbers. Theron's barcode scanner reads the product barcode and looks it up in our own food database first, then in Open Food Facts, the open crowd-sourced product database. If a product is not in either, you can enter its label values once and log it in one tap after that.

Try the barcode scanner free

Why barcode data beats AI estimation for packaged food

AI photo recognition is built for plated, mixed meals where there is no label to read. Packaged food is different — the nutrition facts already exist, printed on the box. Scanning the barcode is faster and more precise than photographing the package, because it reads label values instead of estimating them. Coverage depends on the product being in our database or Open Food Facts, which is strong for mainstream retail products and thinner for small local brands.

How barcode scanning works

Step 1

Open the scanner

Same in-app camera used for AI food scan, switched to barcode mode.

Step 2

Scan the barcode

Point the camera at the barcode printed on any packaged product.

Step 3

Confirm the serving size

Set how much of the product you're eating — the app calculates macros for that exact amount.

Step 4

Log it

The entry adds to your daily macro and calorie total immediately.

Label data, not a guess

Nutrition values come from the product label rather than a visual estimate.

Faster than searching

No scrolling through a food database looking for the right brand and variant.

Built for supermarket products

Snacks, drinks, supplements, pantry staples — anything with a retail barcode that exists in our database or Open Food Facts.

Consistent portion math

Serving size adjustments scale macros automatically and correctly.

Who uses the barcode scanner

People tracking strict macros

Anyone hitting a specific daily target where label-level accuracy matters.

Grocery shoppers

Quickly check a product's macros while still in the store, before buying.

Meal-prep users

Log the same packaged staples repeatedly without re-searching each time.

Related features

→AI food scan: log a meal in one photo→Macro & calorie tracking that updates in real time
FAQ

Barcode scanner — common questions

Does the barcode scanner work on all products?▾
It works on packaged products with a standard retail barcode that exist in our food database or in Open Food Facts. Some small or local brands are missing; in that case you enter the label values once and the product is saved for next time. For fresh, unpackaged, or restaurant food, use the AI food scan instead.
How is this different from the AI food scan?▾
The barcode scanner reads exact label data for packaged products. The AI food scan visually estimates plated meals that don't have a barcode to read.
Can I save frequently scanned products?▾
Yes, previously scanned products are saved to your history so repeat items log even faster next time.
Contact

Get in touch

Questions about Theron, partnership enquiries, or just want to say hi. We reply within 24 to 48 hours.

Generalsupport@theronapp.com
Demosupport@theronapp.com
Instagram@theronapp
TikTok@theronapp

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