QR Codes for the Beverage Industry
Labels, tastings, and allergen info
Wineries, breweries, and distilleries print QR codes on labels, shelf talkers, and tasting room signs to share tasting notes, product details, and club signups.
In January 2025, TTB proposed requiring Alcohol Facts and major food allergen disclosures on wine, spirits, and beer labels.
Until a final rule says otherwise, keep those facts on the label itself and let the code add detail.
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Where Beverage Brands Use QR Codes
Each code adds the story a small label cannot hold.
Bottle and Can Labels
More than the label fits
A code on the back label opens tasting notes, pairings, and the full ingredient story.
Taprooms and Tasting Rooms
Today’s lineup
A code on the table or bar opens the current tap or tasting list.
Shelf Talkers
Reviews and recipes in the aisle
A code on a retail shelf tag opens cocktail recipes and awards.
Club Signup
Members from the first sip
A code at the tasting room opens wine club or brewery membership signup.
What Are QR Codes for the Beverage Industry?
A beverage QR code is a square barcode printed on a bottle, can, case, coaster, or shelf tag that opens tasting notes, recipes, brewery tours, club signup, or extended product information. It adds detail; required label statements still have to appear the way TTB or FDA rules require.
What TTB Proposed for Alcohol Labels
TTB summarized both proposals in its January 17, 2025 announcement.
- Two proposals: Notice No. 237 covers Alcohol Facts, and Notice No. 238 covers major food allergens.
- Allergens named: Milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame, plus ingredients containing their proteins, if used in production.
- Alcohol Facts contents: Serving size, servings per container, alcohol by volume, fluid ounces of pure ethyl alcohol per serving, calories, and grams of carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving.
- Who it covers: Wines, distilled spirits, and malt beverages under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
- Status: The comment period closed on April 17, 2025; check TTB for any final rule before changing labels.
What a Beverage QR Code Can Open
- Product page: Tasting notes, pairings, and awards.
- Ingredient detail: Sourcing and production information beyond the required label.
- Recipes: Cocktails or food pairings for that product.
- Tours and events: Tasting room bookings and release events.
- Club signup: Wine club or brewery membership.
How to Create a Beverage QR Code in TLinky
Use one dynamic code per product line, so vintage and batch details can change without new label plates.
Here is the step by step guide:
- Log in to your TLinky account, click Create, then select QR Code.
- Name the code after the product and vintage or batch.
- Select Link for product pages and club signup, or Event for a release party.
- Enter the page URL or event details.
- Customize Templates, Colors, and Design to match the label art, click Generate QR, then Save Changes and download.
Pro Tip: Test the code on the curved bottle or can, since curvature can make small codes hard to scan.
Pour the Story Into Every Scan
Where Beverage Brands Place QR Codes
- Back labels: Tasting notes and ingredient detail, sized for QR codes on bottles and cans.
- Cases and six-pack carriers: Recipes and brand videos.
- Coasters and table tents: Tap lists and tasting menus on QR code table tents.
- Shelf talkers: Reviews, awards, and pairings.
- Tasting room counters: Club signup and tour booking.
Keep Beverage Codes Label-Safe
- Keep required statements on the label: A QR code adds information; it does not stand in for mandatory label text.
- Watch for the final TTB rule: Label requirements may change once the proposals are finalized.
- Match the batch: Point each code to the right vintage or batch page.
- Design for curves: Leave a quiet border and test on the real container.
- Check codes on shelves: Make sure no one has placed a sticker over your code in stores.
New Vintage. Same Label Code.
Each new vintage or batch gets its own page, while the label art stays exactly as printed.
Beverage Industry QR Code Questions
Did TTB propose allergen labeling for alcohol?
Yes. In January 2025, TTB proposed requiring major food allergen disclosures on labels of wines, distilled spirits, and malt beverages.
What would Alcohol Facts include?
Serving size, servings per container, alcohol by volume, fluid ounces of pure alcohol per serving, calories, and grams of carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving.
Can a QR code replace required label information?
Plan for required statements to stay on the label. A QR code can add detail beyond what the label holds.
Where should a wine QR code go?
On the back label, where shoppers already turn the bottle to read tasting notes.
Should beverage brands use one code per product or per batch?
One dynamic code per product line works for most brands. Update the page when the vintage or batch changes.
See How QR Codes Can Grow Your Business
Other food and drink businesses use codes on menus and packaging.
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Start Your Beverage QR Code
Put tasting notes, recipes, and club signup on every bottle and can, then update the page for each new vintage or batch.