At WISEcode™, we believe understanding what’s in your food shouldn’t require a PhD. But it helps that we have a few on our team.

This past weekend, our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Richard Black, took the stage at the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Conference in Orlando—one of the most prestigious nutrition science events in the world. He gave three talks, each tackling a major issue in how food is researched, labeled, and understood.

So what does this matter to you, the everyday consumer trying to make healthier food choices?

WISEcode™ isn’t just another food scanner app. We’re using actual science, proven research, and real, authentic experts to fix what’s broken in the food system—and to help you shop smarter, eat better, and feel confident in your food choices.

Let’s break down the three topics Dr. Black shared, and how they connect directly to what we’re building here at WISEcode™.

1. Errors in Nutrition Data on Online Shopping Sites

Dr. Black’s first presentation unpacked a surprising issue: nutrition label data on online grocery sites is often wrong—or missing entirely.

That’s why WISEcode™ exists. We bridge this gap by giving you accurate food data through our mobile app—so you’re not left guessing whether something fits your needs. When you scan a product’s barcode with our app, you're getting the clean, science-backed info you should have had in the first place.

2. AI for Scientific Research

Dr. Black also spoke on a panel about how AI (artificial intelligence) is transforming nutrition science. He joined experts from Health Canada and Tufts University to talk about the real-world impact of using AI to analyze massive datasets, identify ingredient risks, and spot trends in public health.

At WISEcode™, we use this same AI-driven approach to:

• Scan ingredient lists for harmful additives

• Personalize food insights based on your needs

• Flag products with hidden sugars or questionable ingredients

We’re not just using AI for the buzz—we’re using it to make food transparency faster, more accurate, and more personal.

3. Ultraprocessed Foods Are Not All Alike

The term “ultraprocessed food” gets thrown around a lot, and let’s be honest—it can feel a little scary. But Dr. Black’s final talk at ASN challenged that black-and-white thinking.

He explained that many foods labeled as ultraprocessed are wildly different in terms of health impact. A sugary soda and a fortified protein bar might both be “ultraprocessed,” but their nutritional profiles—and how your body responds to them—are not the same.

That’s why WISEcode™ doesn’t just tell you something is processed—we break it down by:

• Evaluating ingredient quality

• Assessing added sugars

• Flagging known health risks

We’ve built a smarter food scoring system that reflects how processed a food really is—and what that means for your health.

Picked Up by the Press

Coverage of our CSO, Richard Black’s, talks has already appeared in:

• News-Medical.net: Scientists Develop New System for Classifying Processed Foods

• Newswise: Scientists Propose New Approach for Classifying Processed Foods

• Bioengineer.org: Researchers Introduce Innovative Method for Classifying Processed Foods

• The University Network: Scientists Unveil New System for Classifying Processed Foods

As a brand committed to science-backed food transparency, we’re proud to see our work making waves across both consumer and academic circles (check out what the experts are saying here)!

Whether you're scanning a barcode in our app or double-checking an ingredient at the grocery store, know this: everything we build at WISEcode™ is grounded in research, science, and integrity. We don’t take money, sponsorships, or direction from Big Food—period. No brand influences what we flag or how we score a product. Dr. Black’s leadership at ASN is just one more reason you can trust the information you see in the app.

If you’re using the WISEcode™ app, you’re already ahead of the curve. And if you’re just getting started—welcome. We’re here to make food labels simple, smart, and a little bit fun.

Stay curious. Stay informed. Keep scanning.

— The WISEcode™ Team