The Coffee QR Code has become an essential tool for coffee brands to engage with customers and enhance their packaging. In 2025, integrating a Coffee QR Code into your coffee packaging provides an opportunity to connect consumers with detailed product information, promotions, or brand stories.
This guide walks beginners through the benefits, installation, and best practices for Coffee QR Codes. Ready to elevate your packaging? Request a quote from BN Pack for innovative coffee packaging solutions today.
What Is Coffee QR Code?
QR codes were created in 1994 by Toyota to improve manufacturing efficiency. A QR code is a data carrier, similar to a barcode, that stores information. When scanned, it usually directs users to a website with more details.
QR codes entered the consumer market in 2017 as smartphones began incorporating built-in code scanning capabilities. Since then, they’ve been standardized by major organizations.
The widespread use of smartphones and high-speed internet has expanded QR code accessibility. From 2018 to 2020, QR code interactions and the number of people reached via them grew by over 90%, indicating that more consumers are scanning QR codes, often repeatedly.
A 2021 study found that more than half of respondents would scan a QR code to learn about a brand. Additionally, they are more likely to purchase items featuring a QR code on the packaging. Over 70% also expressed interest in using their smartphones to explore more details before buying.
Why You Need Coffee QR Code on Your Coffee Packaging?
Digital innovations are transforming how people interact, communicate, and consume, with significant effects across various industries, including the specialty coffee sector. Businesses are increasingly integrating digital technologies to enhance processes and improve customer experiences.
One notable advancement is the growing use of Quick Response (QR) codes. In 2024, over 6 million dynamic QR codes were scanned worldwide, marking a 433% increase from 2023.
QR codes serve a variety of functions in different industries. In the coffee sector, they are commonly featured on packaging to boost transparency and brand visibility. Additionally, QR codes offer a cost-effective solution for streamlining communication with consumers.
Benefits of Coffee QR Code on Coffee Packaging
QR codes provide roasters with a unique opportunity to engage and communicate directly with their customers. While many businesses use them for payment purposes, this may not be as relevant for roasters, especially since a significant portion of their sales may come from online orders.
This also allows roasters to sidestep potential security and safety issues associated with using QR codes for payment processing. There are various creative ways roasters can incorporate QR codes into their coffee packaging.
Communicate Origins
For many roasters, sharing the origin story of their coffee can be challenging. Whether they work with a single large producer or offer exclusive micro lots, QR codes provide a simple way to trace the coffee’s journey from farm to cup.
For instance, 1850 Coffee invites customers to scan the QR code to learn about the coffee’s growth, processing methods, exportation, and roasting location. This information not only builds transparency but also shows customers how their purchase supports coffee farmers through sustainable water and agricultural initiatives.
Prevent Waste
Coffee waste often arises when customers are unaware of how much coffee they consume or how to store it properly at home. QR codes can play a crucial role in preventing this by informing customers about the coffee’s lifespan.
A 2020 study on best-by dates for milk cartons found that QR codes are highly effective in conveying shelf life information. By scanning the code, customers can access important details about how to store their coffee and when it’s best to use it.
Prove Sustainability
More coffee brands are embracing sustainable practices, and consumers are increasingly aware of greenwashing—the act of making unverified or exaggerated claims about environmental efforts. QR codes offer roasters an effective way to prove their sustainability efforts.
Scanning the code, customers can access details about the eco-friendly aspects of a coffee’s journey, from sourcing and roasting to delivery. This transparency builds trust and reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Take Cocokind, an organic beauty brand, as an example. They adopted QR codes to share information about their sustainable packaging materials. Coffee brands can follow suit by providing customers with details about the environmental impact of sourcing, roasting, and brewing processes.
QR codes can also highlight how the packaging is made and provide clear instructions on how to recycle it properly, ensuring a full-circle approach to sustainability.
How Does Coffee QR Code Strong Brand Identity?
A QR code is essentially an advanced version of a barcode, acting as a static image encoded with data. Scanning the code typically directs the user to a website with additional information. QR codes utilize four standard encoding models: numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji, to efficiently store data. These codes have become internationally recognized as a standard for business and corporate processes.
Originally developed by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, in the 1990s, QR codes were designed to improve manufacturing efficiency by tracking vehicles during various production stages. Due to their quick response time, large data capacity, and ease of access, QR codes quickly gained popularity beyond the automotive industry, particularly in marketing and branding.
Building a strong brand is crucial for specialty coffee roasters and cafés to stand out in a competitive market. Printing custom QR codes on coffee bags offers an affordable, smart packaging solution. This emerging technology addresses consumer queries and enhances the customer experience in the food packaging sector.
Additionally, incorporating QR codes on coffee bags helps roasters bridge the gap between print and digital marketing, creating a seamless connection. This strategy enhances communication with consumers, builds transparency, and strengthens the overall marketing approach.
What to Know Before Adding Coffee QR Code to Coffee Packaging?
A common misconception about adding Coffee QR Codes to packaging is that they are only feasible for large print runs, making them less practical for small roasters. Another challenge is that mistakes made in the printing process are hard to fix and can be costly for the roaster.
Using QR codes for seasonal or time-sensitive messaging may not be cost-effective since it would require a new print run.
These issues are often tied to traditional packaging printing methods. The solution is digital printing, which allows roasters to add Coffee QR Codes with low minimum order quantities and fast turnaround times. This approach gives roasters the flexibility to update codes as needed, keeping their messaging current without spending extra time or money.
Coffee QR Codes have revolutionized how roasters share information. Instead of printing lengthy web addresses or entire stories on packaging, roasters can now use these simple codes to provide instant access to a wealth of information, connecting customers with everything they need to know about their coffee.
Creating Custom-Printed Coffee QR Code
Brand identity plays a critical role in a successful marketing strategy, influencing every design element tied to the business. Coffee roasters and cafés should carefully consider how they wish to be perceived by their customers. This includes not only the design of coffee bags but also website aesthetics, business cards, social media content, and other marketing materials.
Before integrating QR codes into coffee packaging, it’s essential for roasters to have a well-developed website. QR codes usually redirect customers to a landing page, so the website must be visually appealing, user-friendly, and align with the brand’s identity.
As counterfeit websites become more prevalent, maintaining consistency between packaging colors and the website is vital for brand integrity. Inconsistent packaging and marketing materials may appear sloppy and unprofessional, which is not the image roasters want to project.
A 2019 study by Packaging Insights revealed that 65% of Chinese consumers believe scanning QR codes on product packaging fosters trust, boosting sales and building customer loyalty. QR codes have revolutionized the way information about the coffee industry is shared.
Instead of lengthy URLs or detailed stories on coffee bags, roasters can use these simple barcodes to provide instant access to a wealth of information.
Conclusion
BN Pack empowers roasters to easily incorporate QR codes into their coffee packaging through advanced digital printing technology. Our design team can customize QR codes directly onto coffee bags, giving roasters full control over the design and the information included in the codes.
We provide a variety of 100% recyclable coffee packaging options made from renewable materials such as kraft paper, rice paper, and multilayer LDPE with eco-friendly PLA lining. These options reduce waste and support a circular economy.
We also offer low minimum order quantities (MOQs) across all packaging sizes and materials, along with custom printing services. Our fast turnaround time of 40 hours and 24-hour shipping ensures quick delivery.
FAQ
How do I scan a QR code in a cafe?
To scan a QR code in a café, open your smartphone camera app. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on the menu or table. Ensure the entire code is visible on your screen. Once the camera detects the code, a notification or link should appear on your screen. Tap the notification to open the linked website or content. Some phones may require a separate QR code scanning app, but most modern devices have built-in functionality.
Why is there a QR code on my package?
A QR code on your coffee package provides easy access to extra information about the product. It may redirect you to the coffee’s origin story, brewing tips, or detailed information on the sourcing process. The code can also show you updates about sustainability efforts or the roaster’s commitment to quality. By scanning it, you can directly interact with the brand, track your product, or access promotions and customer support.
Is Coffee QR code safe?
A coffee QR code is generally safe to scan as long as it links to a legitimate, trusted source. Reputable roasters and coffee brands use QR codes to enhance transparency and engage with customers. However, always ensure the QR code appears on authentic packaging and hasn’t been tampered with. Avoid scanning codes on suspicious packaging, and if you’re unsure about a brand’s security, check the website’s URL or contact the company directly for confirmation.
Can a QR code track you?
Yes, a QR code can potentially track you, but only if the code links to a site or service that collects personal data. When scanned, a QR code can capture information like your location, device details, or the pages you visit. Brands can use this data to analyze customer behaviors and improve marketing efforts. However, reputable businesses follow privacy regulations to ensure that data collection through QR codes is transparent and secure.
How do I know if a QR code is real?
To verify a QR code’s authenticity, check the source where you found it. If it’s from a reputable brand or retailer, the QR code is more likely to be legitimate. Ensure the code is printed correctly, without any alterations. Always inspect the surrounding text or branding for consistency with the company’s identity. If unsure, visit the brand’s official website and look for other verification methods or customer support channels before scanning the code.
What are QR codes on food products?
QR codes on food products are scannable barcodes that provide quick access to detailed information about the product. These codes are commonly found on food packaging, including coffee bags, to enhance transparency. When scanned, the QR code can reveal details such as the product’s ingredients, sourcing information, nutritional facts, or safety guidelines. In the coffee industry, QR codes can help consumers learn more about a product’s origin, roasting process, and sustainability efforts.