Is there a good iOS app that scans barcodes to check if food or beauty products are actually healthy?

Yuka is a straightforward barcode scanning tool designed to demystify product labels for consumers. The core functionality involves scanning a food or cosmetic item to receive an immediate health impact rating on a 0-100 scale, accompanied by a simple traffic light color code. For foods, the analysis evaluates nutritional quality based on calories, sugar, salt, saturated fat, protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables, as well as additive risks. For cosmetics and personal care items, it flags potentially problematic ingredients linked to health concerns. A key practical feature is the provision of healthier alternative product suggestions when a scanned item receives a poor rating, which users report directly influences shopping habits. The database is extensive, covering numerous supermarket and pharmacy items, though occasional gaps for very new or regional products are noted in user feedback. The app's design prioritizes speed, making it usable during a shopping trip without slowing down the process. Its completely free model, supported by optional donations, removes a significant barrier to entry. However, some nutrition professionals caution that the rating system, while helpful for general guidance, can sometimes oversimplify complex nutritional science. For shoppers aiming to make more informed decisions quickly, Yuka provides a valuable layer of transparency.