Barcode vs label
Barcode Scanner vs Ingredient Label Scanner: What's the Difference?
A barcode scanner for food looks the product up in a database. ClearaScan reads the ingredients printed on the product you're holding. Both are useful; here's when the difference matters.
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What a barcode lookup does
The barcode identifies the product. The app then shows whatever its database holds for that barcode: often a large amount of useful information, gathered over time.
What reading the label does
ClearaScan reads the ingredient list printed on the pack, so it can check products that aren't in a database, imported products, and labels in other languages. If a recipe changes, the new label is what gets checked.
When the label matters most
- A product you rely on has a new recipe
- Own-label, local or imported products
- Skincare and cosmetics with long ingredient lists
- A label in a language you don't read
Questions
Is a barcode scanner wrong?
No. It shows what its database says, which is often right. Reading the label adds a check against what's printed on the pack you actually have.
Does ClearaScan scan barcodes at all?
No. It reads the ingredient list from a photo.
Sources
Links go to independent organisations and to each app's own pages, for the facts on this page. They have not reviewed or endorsed ClearaScan.
Check what's actually on the label.
Try everything free for 7 days, with up to 40 scans. No card needed.
ClearaScan is a reference tool, not a medical service. It doesn't diagnose or give medical advice, and it can't promise a product is suitable for you. Always check the label yourself.