Yuka Expands to Brazil and Mexico, Bringing Independent Product Ratings to Millions of New Users

Yuka has announced the launch of its app in Brazil and Mexico, expanding its presence to 15 countries and providing independent product ratings to consumers in Latin America. The app, which has garnered over 85 million users globally, aims to meet the growing demand for transparency in food and cosmetic products.

This expansion marks a significant milestone in Yuka's international growth, as it is already available across Europe, North America, and Oceania. By entering Brazil and Mexico, two of the largest consumer markets in Latin America, Yuka enhances its efforts to provide clear product information in regions experiencing a rise in ultra-processed food consumption.

Research from the University of São Paulo indicates that ultra-processed foods account for nearly 25% of the national diet in Brazil. Similarly, Mexico faces high rates of diet-related diseases, prompting the government to implement mandatory front-of-pack warning labels in 2020 as part of its public health initiatives.

Julie Chapon, Co-founder of Yuka, emphasized the company's mission to equip consumers with an independent tool to make informed choices about their food. "Expanding to Brazil and Mexico was a logical next step for us: two major markets where millions of consumers deserve access to the same clear, transparent information," she stated.

At the time of launch, Yuka's database includes around 600,000 products in Brazil and 500,000 in Mexico, with plans for continued growth. A survey of over 20,000 Yuka users in the United States revealed that 94% stopped purchasing products rated red after using the app, and 92% reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods. The influence of Yuka has also been noted among food manufacturers, with 78% of companies in France considering Yuka ratings in their product development or reformulation strategies.

Gabriela Mourad Vicenssuto, a Food Engineer at Yuka and a Brazilian native, commented on the importance of accessible nutritional information, stating that it could lead to meaningful changes in consumer habits. The app is free to download, with a Premium subscription offering additional features such as direct product search and personalized health alerts. Yuka is available on both the Apple and Android stores.

Founded in 2017, Yuka aims to promote transparency in product composition and empower consumers to make better choices for their health.