Well, not in the UPC code, but in a separate bar/machine readable code that won't be confused with the UPC.

I agree with the previous reply. I think there are a limited number of characters in the UPC code and that adding a field for calories might use up too many characters. You would need to encode not only calories, but also the unit of measure (per half cup, for example). I would like them to encode the entire Nutrition Facts in a separate bar code. This would not only make it easier to compute calories while cooking or eating, but also you could bring the scanner/calculator with you to the store and get the nutrition facts in an easily readable form.

The UPC code identifies the product already. All you need is a database which links nutritional information to the UPC code, that's it. No need for a separate bar code.

Alright! hey I had almost the same idea about a month ago. Except i originally suggested that a new standard be created for a unique nutritional information barcode or RFID tag. I actually just did an entrepreneur paper in a business class on this idea. I had several revisions in the idea, and ultimately setled on a system close to what ppk is barely describing. But why should this technology be implemented? We should identify the reasons. People with diets, food allergies, etc could identify fairly quickly and easy if a certain food is ok. I actually though of a seperate device for the scanning task, because most pda's arent equiped ready for upc scanning, a standalone unit could prove to be much cheaper, and ensure that everyone has fair access to the technology. The device could integrate a shoppping list, this could assist customers to get what they want faster, plus remind them previous products they enjoyed and otherwise. There is potential for such a device to communicate with a intelligent home appliance, ex the refrigerator to know if something is low.

Then I thought of several ways this could be implemented. The original idea was to add something to or add a new barcode/RFID. This would ensure interoperability between stores and might accelerate implementation. The disadvantage with this idea is that it requires additional government regulation and industry compliance. This could be a lengthy, expensive, and perhaps dead end path. The alternative is a bottom-up approach, in which individual chains implement a proprietary system. This actually opens up more options but unfortunately complications as well. Firms could sell software to the consumers who can program their preferences into a unique “SIM” card at home through a PC with a USB or flash card reader or at a kiosk. This memory chip then plugs into the shopping assistant device, perhaps attached to the shopping cart with an LCD/touch screen display, or separate device borrowed at the store entrance and returned at the register. This option, allows seamless upgrades and competition to keep prices lower. Stores could implement a system where the device knows a database of existing UPC labels in its memory, or wirelessly looks up the info on demand from a central database. The later, would streamline any changes in the labels, as info would be updated on the fly, and give a means to theft prevention. Most importantly this idea gets around the government, and any additional modifications to the food packaging. The main disadvantage is that stores are likely to make their systems incompatible.

its not letting me edit my original post, forgot this:

The benefits are obvious to consumers: customized shopping lists, instant and transparent nutritional information, relative product suggestions, a digital shopping assistant, suggested recipes based on ingredient selection and personal preference, and a potential to assist the fight against heart disease and obesity. The obvious disadvantage: potential for stores to pass off the infrastructure costs to consumers with higher priced goods. The benefits to the business: the systems may attract more customers and build loyalty by keeping an in house database, product suggestions could boost sales, the system might be adapted to work with retail stores, and some innovative marketing that exploits the devices pervasiveness.