Getting a useful result
For the fastest check, scan the retail barcode. If the product is missing or the ingredient data is incomplete, photograph the ingredients panel and review the recognised text before analysing it.
The camera will not open
Make sure the site has camera permission. On iPhone or iPad, open the live HTTPS site in Safari and allow camera access when prompted. If permission was previously blocked, change the website camera permission in Safari settings and reload the app.
The barcode will not scan
- Move slightly further back so the whole barcode fits inside the frame.
- Avoid glare and keep the barcode reasonably flat.
- If the packaging is curved, rotate it until most bars appear straight.
- Use manual barcode entry if the camera still cannot read it.
The product is unknown
Use Photograph ingredients for an immediate ingredient-based check. You can also submit the product for review so a reviewed result can be returned on future scans.
The ingredient photo is inaccurate
Photograph the text straight-on in good light. The OCR text is intentionally editable: correct obvious mistakes before tapping Analyse ingredients. The photo itself stays on your device; the corrected ingredient text is sent to the app's analysis endpoint when you ask for a verdict.
The app disagrees with the packaging
What “Needs checking” means
Some ingredients can be made from plant or animal sources. VeganCue deliberately refuses to guess when the source is not stated. Examples include some fatty-acid emulsifiers, glycerine, vitamin D3 and certain flavourings.