Founded in France by Julie Chapon, Yuka has grown into one of the most widely used product-scanning apps globally, reaching more than 73 million users without relying on traditional marketing or brand advertising. The app allows consumers to scan food and personal care products to receive ratings based on ingredient quality, additives, and nutritional value. Yuka has built its audience around an ad-free model that keeps product rankings independent from manufacturers, a decision Chapon says was foundational to earning user trust.
That independence extends to how the company generates revenue and awareness. Yuka reached profitability five years after its 2017 launch, producing about $7 million in sales largely through a paid premium subscription. The company has never paid for advertising. “There is no marketing strategy. It’s very simple,” Chapon said. “The main reason for our growth is word of mouth. You heard about it through your family and friends. Generally, when someone uses the app and likes it, they talk about it to 10 to 20 people.” Internally, Yuka relies on scientific staff and external medical experts to support its product evaluations, a structure Chapon says differentiates the app from influencer-driven wellness platforms.
The United States has become Yuka’s largest market, accounting for more than 30% of its global user base. After early growth accelerated following a viral TikTok video, Chapon moved to New York in 2022 to focus on U.S. expansion. “The U.S. very quickly became our biggest market,” she said. “Thank God we made the decision to come to the U.S. This was so important to the health of the business.” Looking ahead, Chapon has said Yuka plans to deepen its credibility within scientific and healthcare communities as it continues scaling its presence in the U.S.
