#Brazil #São Paulo #Healthy Choices #Yuka App #product ratings

Yuka Expands Its Global Reach to Latin America

Yuka, known for providing independent ratings of food and cosmetic products, has officially launched in Brazil and Mexico, marking its expansion to a total of 15 countries. This initiative gives millions of consumers in these two rapidly growing markets access to the same valuable information that has already influenced 85 million users worldwide.

As awareness grows about the health impacts of food choices, Brazilian and Mexican consumers are increasingly seeking clarity on the contents of their products. In Brazil, studies indicate that nearly a quarter of the national diet consists of ultra-processed foods, while Mexico faces high rates of diet-related health issues, prompting the introduction of stringent food labeling regulations in 2020. Yuka's entry into these markets comes at a crucial time, allowing consumers to make more informed dietary decisions.

Julie Chapon, Co-founder of Yuka, stated, "Ultra-processed foods have become a global challenge, and our mission is to provide users with a straightforward, independent tool to empower them regarding their eating habits. Expanding into Brazil and Mexico was a logical move as we aim to bring transparent product information to even more people."

With approximately 600,000 products listed in Brazil and 500,000 in Mexico at launch, Yuka's database is poised for growth as the app gains traction. Notably, behavioral studies from existing markets indicate significant changes in purchasing habits among users. In a U.S. survey, 94% of respondents reported refraining from buying products rated as unhealthy after using the app, while 92% acknowledged reducing their consumption of ultra-processed items. Additionally, findings from a French study indicated that 78% of food manufacturers consider Yuka ratings when making product development decisions—highlighting the app’s influence across the industry.

Gabriela Mourad Vicenssuto, a Brazilian Food Engineer at Yuka, emphasized the importance of accessible information: "When people can easily understand ingredient and nutritional facts, they gain greater autonomy over their health choices. This type of access can lead to a meaningful shift in consumer behavior over time."

Yuka can be downloaded for free on both Apple and Android platforms. While the core features are complimentary, users may opt for a premium subscription that offers additional functionalities like personalized health alerts, offline access, and direct product searches.

Founded in 2017 as a wholly independent project, Yuka aims to enhance transparency in food and cosmetic product composition. The app allows users to scan barcodes to evaluate health impacts, fostering better choices for individual health. As it continues to expand its footprint globally, Yuka remains dedicated to its mission of empowering consumers with vital information for healthier living.