Tesco introducing major change at supermarkets that could transform shoppers' experience

Tesco is reportedly trialling a major change at its supermarkets in a bid to advance its customer experience.

The supermarket chain is said to be piloting a new initiative that promises to transform how shoppers interact with products.

In the near future, lovers of Tesco may find themselves privy to detailed nutritional information, best-before guidance, and even alternative product recommendations while picking up their groceries, all thanks to a significant shift in packaging strategy.

The retailer is reportedly experimenting with QR code technology as a replacement for traditional barcodes, aiming to overhaul the shopping journey from start to finish.

According to Retail Gazette, the supermarket giant is collaborating with 10 suppliers to test the QR codes on a selection of 12 own-brand items, which are anticipated to link customers directly to the product's online profile.

Isabela De Pedro, Tesco's supply chain development and change director, informed the publication that the trial is currently underway in "about 20 per cent" of its stores located in the South of England, reports Birmingham Live.

Ms De Pedro explained that this latest venture by Tesco is set to arm consumers with an extensive array of details, ranging from a product's nutritional content to its expiration date and suggestions for similar goods.

Speaking at the Retail Technology Show 2025, she remarked: "It's certainly our intention to make sure the customers better understand the product."

She added, "You've got a real limit on the current packaging and there are so many regulatory things you have to put on there, that gets priority.

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

Tesco's cutting-edge initiative could signal the beginning of a revolutionary new era in shopping, as fellow retailers like Lidl also invest heavily in innovative technology - with Lidl unveiling its new "Click, Reserve and Collect" scheme earlier this week.

This development follows on from Tesco's drive to minimize waste, as evidenced by its earlier trial of replacing traditional "Avocado stickers" with eco-friendly, lasered barcodes directly onto the fruit's skin.

Additionally, the supermarket has recently introduced "menopause-friendly bays", set to roll out across 93 UK stores.