Tesco is trialling a major technological overhaul in its stores as it begins testing QR codes to replace traditional barcodes on hundreds of everyday items - a move experts have dubbed the "second barcode revolution".

Britain's biggest grocer is piloting the innovation across 12 of its own-brand fresh produce and meat products, which could see the familiar black-and-white stripes of the conventional barcode gradually disappear from supermarket shelves.

The new on-pack QR codes, developed in partnership with global barcode standards body GS1, not only offer the same scanning functionality at the checkout but also allow customers to instantly access detailed product information using their smartphones.

The codes, now being trialled in around 20% of Tesco stores in the South of England, link shoppers to a wealth of additional data - including nutritional facts, allergen advice, provenance, use-by dates, and even alternative product suggestions.

"It's certainly our intention to make sure customers better understand the product," said Isabela De Pedro, Tesco's supply chain development and change director, speaking at the Retail Technology Show 2025.

"The QR opens up the door to do all of this stuff - to talk about origin, nutritionals, health, alternatives, locally sourced options."

Crucially, Tesco is also exploring how these smart labels can be scanned at the till, removing the need for a separate barcode entirely. If successful, it would mark the most significant change in point-of-sale technology since the barcode was first scanned at a checkout on June 26, 1974 - a date GS1 chose to coincide with its announcement of the global shift.

GS1's upgraded codes are currently being tested in 48 countries, covering 88% of global GDP. The technology has already been piloted by household names including PepsiCo, Walmart, P&G, L'Oréal and Amazon, with a full-scale industry rollout planned by 2027.

Matt Rhind, Tesco's supply chain and development director, said: "We know our customers want the opportunity to access detailed product information instantly via their smartphone.

"We're also looking for smarter ways to reduce waste and improve traceability across our supply chains. QR codes powered by GS1 help us meet both those challenges."

Beyond the checkout, the smart QR technology is already being put to use in digital deposit return schemes and food safety recalls, offering manufacturers and retailers faster, more precise ways of tracking items through the supply chain.

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK, said: "In today's hyper-connected world, barcodes need to start working harder. QR codes powered by GS1 can deliver new, more powerful ways of working that promise to be just as transformational - if not more so - than that first barcode scan 50 years ago."

The shift towards QR is the latest in a string of packaging innovations at Tesco. Last year, the grocer trialled laser-etching avocados to remove the need for sticky labels in a bid to cut waste.

Should the trials prove successful, the humble barcode could soon find itself consigned to history - replaced by a digital gateway to smarter, more transparent shopping.