yuka

Yuka is a mobile application designed to assist consumers in making healthier food and cosmetic product choices. Launched in Japan in 2016, the app uses barcode scanning technology to evaluate products based on their nutritional and ingredient profiles. Yuka provides users with a score ranging from 0 to 100, reflecting the overall healthiness of a product. The scoring system considers factors such as the presence of additives, preservatives, sugar, salt, saturated fats, and other potentially harmful ingredients.

The app offers detailed information about each product, including its nutritional content, ingredients, and potential health risks associated with certain additives. Users can also access alternative product recommendations that are healthier options, encouraging better consumption habits. In addition to food, Yuka evaluates cosmetics and personal care items, assessing their safety and environmental impact based on ingredients and production practices.

Yuka has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking transparency about the products they consume. It is available for free on both iOS and Android platforms and has been integrated with databases covering a wide range of products globally. The app's data is compiled from scientific research and regulatory bodies, aiming to promote healthier lifestyles and informed purchasing decisions.

While Yuka is widely used for personal health improvement, it has also faced some criticism regarding the transparency of its scoring criteria and the potential oversimplification of complex nutritional data. Nonetheless, it remains a significant tool in the digital health and wellness landscape, advocating for transparency and healthier choices in everyday products.