# Coeliac UK — user reviews

> 115 indexed App Store user reviews of Coeliac UK by Coeliac UK.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coeliac-uk/id1129216617/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coeliac-uk/id1129216617.md

## What do users think of Coeliac UK?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- ✅ Barcode scanner works reliably for identifying gluten-free products
- 🛒 Makes shopping easier by quickly checking product suitability
- 📱 Convenient mobile access to food information
- 💪 Helpful for newly diagnosed coeliacs
- 🎯 NHS recommended by healthcare professionals

**Cons**

- 🐛 Scanner frequently fails to recognize products or barcodes
- 🔓 Constant login issues and forced logouts
- ❌ Product database severely limited and incomplete
- 🚫 App crashes and freezes regularly
- 📉 Significant decline in functionality after major update
- 💰 Expensive subscription for limited working features
- 🗺️ Restaurant locator shows mostly chain restaurants like Domino's
- 🔍 Search function returns irrelevant results
- ⚠️ Incorrect product classifications (marking safe items as unsuitable)
- 📵 Cannot log in despite correct credentials
- 🎨 Poor UI design with inaccessible buttons
- ⏱️ Slow performance and loading times
- 🚫 Missing basic products from major supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, M&S)

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Scanner takes photos too quickly before full barcode is visible
- Login credentials not recognized despite being correct
- App crashes on launch
- Forced logout every 5 minutes
- Password reset emails not being sent
- Continue button obscured by black line on signup page
- App freezes on allergen profile page
- Multiple 'product not found' windows open simultaneously
- App minimizes unexpectedly during scanning
- Incompatible with older iPhone models (iPhone 7, etc.)
- Address lookup function not working properly
- Scrolling issues - no shortcut to top of product list
- Product search function intermittently unavailable
- Scanner scans incorrectly classified items as unsuitable
- App not rendering properly on certain screen sizes

**Most requested features**

- Expand product database to include more supermarkets and brands
- Improve restaurant recommendations beyond major chains
- Add ability to create and save personal product lists
- Implement audio alerts for suitable/unsuitable products
- Add dark mode option
- Improve search functionality with better filtering
- Include ingredient information and sourcing details
- Add offline functionality
- Implement persistent login without constant re-authentication
- Better support for international products and brands

## Newest reviews (18 of 115)

### 2/5 — Yearly membership needed

*2026-06-15*

Advertising said it was a free app but you can login without a yearly membership… why can people own anything anymore ? I just want to feel safe when eating and being GF free in the uk is expensive enough as is. If they asked for an upfront fee fine but having to have a membership to eat safely feels like exploitation of a condition I have no control over

### 2/5 — Limited performance

*2026-06-04*

Have just loaded up the app - the scanner doesn’t work on a large number of fairly common foodstuffs so at the moment it is of very limited use to me. I am quite disappointed. The ‘dining out’ or takeaway venues are also very limited - I appreciate that this is mainly because of the relatively small number of locations that do serve GF, but the list to my knowledge is not very comprehensive. Overall if I had known I would have saved myself the subscription fee and not bothered with this app.

### 4/5 — Working better now

*2026-03-24*

The app was previously signing me out every 5 mins; not finding anything in searches and the scanner didn’t work well but all of these things have improved massively lately and now I find I don’t need to use any other scanner apps. Finally reliable and worth the fee.

### 2/5 — Great when it works…

*2025-10-31, version 14.0.7*

…but it doesn’t work a lot. Scanner or product search.

### 1/5 — Used to work, but not now

*2025-07-04, version 14.0.7*

For some reason Coeliac UK thought it would be good to take the app offline in March 2025 to update it. It’s now July and it still doesn’t work correctly. Even gluten free items like Warburtons gluten free bread won’t scan. Fed up of trying now, annoyed because it’s the only part of my paid subscription I use, and best part of this years it’s been unavailable. Won’t be re-joining next year.

### 1/5 — Slow and glitchy

*2025-07-02*

I’ve been using this app for over 4 years with no issues, but since I update the app it has been rubbish. Scanning items finds no results so really not useful for coeliacs to check in the supermarket. I’ve sent multiple messages about the app but never get a reply. I would use this app a lot to check products when shopping but I cannot see me using it until the bugs are sorted out.

**Developer response:** We're sorry to see you were disappointed by the app when it first launched, if you're still being affected by this issue we would like to know more. Could you please contact generalenquiries@coeliac.org.uk with more information so that we can investigate further - Coeliac UK

### 1/5 — Feedback

*2025-06-29, version 14.0.7*

This app was absolutely amazing but since the major update the app no longer scans.  That feature was brilliant for checking GF foods. I will not be renewing my subscription due July 25

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2025-06-28, version 14.0.7*

Scanning and barcode function doesn’t work, waste of money.

### 1/5 — App scanner no longer works

*2025-06-25, version 14.0.7*

After a big update several months back, the scanner stopped working. Seeing as though the only reason I pay a membership was for the scanner. I’m cancelling.

### 1/5 — Sort this out

*2025-06-24, version 14.0.7*

This app used to be excellent for scanning and now is completely useless since the ‘update’. Not a single product scanned will come up despite reinstalling it, it’s really disappointing considering this a subscription service, shan’t be renewed and even more disappointing there are no updates regarding why it’s so bad now?

### 1/5 — Abysmal

*2025-06-21*

I’ve been a Coeliac UK member since 2008, but I won’t be renewing this year:  I pay my membership primarily to use the app to scan foods, but when the decision was taken to remove all items from the Directory, that killed the app for me.  For months there had been no listings, and now they’re only just starting to return.  Recently, the app now crashes as soon as I launch it.  I’ve reinstalled but that doesn’t help.  It’s such a shame as Coeliac UK do good work, but to remove a core service with no warning, alternative or concession is unreasonable.

### 1/5 — Stopped working

*2025-06-21, version 14.0.7*

Awful app, can’t get back my £15.00. Does t pick anything up, yet other scramjets downloaded since this stopped work perfectly fine

### 1/5 — Download the Yuka App instead

*2025-06-19*

I used to rely on this app to find food that was gluten free that was not on the gluten free isle in supermarkets. However since the last update it only informs you on only the gluten free isle and doesn’t recognise any other product. I have no intention of renewing my subscription with this pointless app and have switched over to the Yuka app with is really helpful and eye opening. Especially the harmful ingredients used in products in the gluten free section in supermarkets. To use the filters it cost approximately £15 subscription and highlights gluten containing ingredients in foods plus you will really be surprised by how unhealthy GF supplements are for your body. I hope this helps you make a decision on which app to use and enjoy eating healthier.

### 1/5 — Useless

*2025-06-17, version 14.0.7*

The app has been getting worse and worse over the last 2 years and is now inutile. We really need a good scanner, products, information but it’s gone sadly.

### 1/5 — What’s happened ?

*2025-06-16, version 14.0.7*

I pay a subscription to be able to use the food search and scanner. Neither have been working for months.

### 1/5 — Scanner is pointless

*2025-06-09, version 14.0.7*

We purchased this app a few years ago when my son was first diagnosed. The scanner was a life saver and stopped us buying things that contained Gluten. It hasn’t worked at all since the update and it’s now a pretty pointless app. 

Doesn’t seem to be any updates on when it’s going to be fixed.

### 1/5 — No longer works

*2025-06-09, version 14.0.7*

Used to rely on this all the time for scanning food whilst shopping it no longer scans anything even tried it on ‘free from’ items doesn’t do it

### 1/5 — Broken app

*2025-06-06, version 14.0.7*

Can’t sign up without agreeing to receiving emails and texts.

Can’t choose my address with their address lookup.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Horrible app

*2026-07-30, version 14.0.10*

It says milk and strawberries are unstable it’s bad choice for the app

### 1/5 — Locked behind a paywall

*2026-06-16, version 14.0.10*

Honestly quite a shady practise to lock the whole app behind a paywall. Won't be botherering, thanks.

### 1/5 — Useless

*2026-04-01, version 14.0.9*

Filters and searches are useless, doesn’t explain why things aren’t suitable when ingredients say they are fine. Restaurant locater is impossible to use and shows up barely any places when I know there are many locally. Waste of £21!

### 1/5 — Disappointing

*2026-01-22*

I subscribed because I wanted to find variety of restaurants with GF food. Sadly, 60% of the approved places are Dominos, 20% pizza express and the other 20% some other chains.
Definitely not what you expect when you pay a membership. Regarding the scanner- yeah, it works, but so does Google. For free. Just type “is *the food you need info for* gluten free” and it’ll tell you straight away. Or just read the ingredients at the back. 
I’m disappointed. Not sure if I’ll use the app at all.

### 1/5 — A waste of time and effort

*2025-10-25, version 14.0.7*

What on earth have you done to the scanner? It was a brilliant app when I was first diagnosed. I could check virtually anything. Now it doesn't scan a thing. I thought I'd try scanning certified gf items in Tesco and M&S and they all came back as unsuitable. 
You really need to get this back to how it used to be. I will not be renewing my subscription for this useless app

### 1/5 — Now useless

*2025-10-25, version 14.0.7*

When I originally used this app a few years back it was helpful. Since it was changed it is absolutely rubbish. Tested on the most basic foods like eggs or milk or simple cheddar and they are returned as unsuitable for me (I require gluten free only). Completely unreliable. Save your money and instead learn how read labels carefully.

### 1/5 — Can’t even log into it - it’s impossible!

*2025-09-29, version 14.0.7*

Using a free scanner at the moment as this just doesn’t work 🙁

### 1/5 — Can’t become a member!

*2025-08-19, version 14.0.7*

iOS doesnt show the button to continue can’t see it and can’t press it so that’s ridiculous!!! Can’t sign up! Move the bottom button so it’s useable and sack your tech designers!

### 1/5 — Useless

*2025-07-20*

Have just joined Coeliac UK again in the hope that the app would be working better than a few years ago. What a waste of my time and money. The scanner is telling me that products that are obviously full of Gluten are suitable for me…such as Bread and Beer…now I’m no Einstein but come on guys, get this sorted out quickly. If i could cancel my membership i would as there are far better food scanners out there i can use. I will not renew my membership.

### 1/5 — Poor

*2025-07-13, version 14.0.7*

Spent £15 to try and get help and you carnt even search basic and popular items as there is no info on them

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — I wish we knew about this app years ago

*2026-03-27*

I wish we knew about this app years ago. One could never tell if a product would be harmful or not , because including any basic meat or veg. You just can’t tell. I am so grateful for the app’s scanner.

### 5/5 — Love this!

*2025-12-23, version 14.0.7*

This is my go-to app when shopping  - I don’t have to stick to the freefrom aisle or spend ages squinting at labels anymore. I just scan and know instantly - it’s brill

### 5/5 — Better than the reviews suggest

*2024-01-11*

I hesitated to purchase this due to the mixed reviews. Having used this for a few months now, it has been a great investment and made my life significantly easier. This is so much better than the free alternative which is available on the App Store.

**Developer response:** We’re pleased to see you are enjoying the app so far, thank you for your ongoing support - Coeliac UK

### 5/5 — HONEST REVIEW - PRODUCT SCAN FUNCTION REVIEW ONLY

*2023-05-05*

I personally felt like I was taking a gamble signing up for the subscription and subsequently downloading the app after I had read some of these negative reviews. 

Firstly, Coeliac UK was recommended to me by the outpatient clinic at the NHS as they had seen great value in subscribing (Vote of confidence).

Secondly, I genuinely feel that some of the negative reviews surrounding the scan function maybe unfair and possibly user error. I have found it to be fantastic and very reliable, the camera won’t scan if the item is too close to the camera. Also, I found on some multipack products that the barcode on the packaging is the one that works, not the individual item barcodes. 

Hope that helps 😊

**Developer response:** We’re pleased to see you are enjoying the app so far. We would like to take a look at the barcodes issue with multipack items - could you please send product details to generalenquiries@coeliac.org.uk? Thank you for your ongoing support - Coeliac UK

### 5/5 — Excellent!

*2023-02-26, version 3.0.18*

I’ve just been diagnosed coeliac. Coeliac U.K., along with this app, are brilliant. The app makes shopping really easy. Recommended!

### 5/5 — Fantastic update to this app

*2023-01-25, version 3.0.13*

Installed the updated app and it is great! The scanner works so quickly so whizzing through my shopping now.

### 5/5 — Brilliant!

*2023-01-09, version 3.0.1*

I have just been diagnosed with Coeliac and Coeliac UK was recommended to me by my Dietician and it has been very useful so far! The barcode is a life saver and definitely will be my new go to every time I go shopping! A long with all the other benefits of this app. Very good job with this new update!

### 5/5 — Perfect :)

*2021-05-13, version 1.7*

I got this after joining Coeliac UK - it’s not too difficult to work out GF foods yourself (fruit, veg, fresh meat and rice) - but ingredients labels can be incredibly teeny-tiny! It’s easy to look things up with this app and I’m very pleased with it, my shopping trips will be much easier now :)

### 5/5 — Needs some serious updating

*2021-03-20, version 1.7*

I have been a user of this app since diagnosis 5 years ago.
It was brilliant at first but for the last year or so I am constantly being asked to sign in every time I open the app or try to scan a product.
My next issue is products I have always had and are labelled gluten free scan in as not suitable even fresh chicken and fish.

What’s gone wrong or changed Developers.........We need this sorting out.

### 5/5 — Made shopping life a lot easier with the app

*2020-06-18*

Been coeliac for 28 years, in the past i have had the booklet but as you can imagine going shopping and looking in the book each time trying to check if you are able to have the product , you just give up and do without. So now been able to use this app to scan products makes my food shopping experience so much easier.  Amazing app to use , would always renew my coeliac subscription each year now so I have access to this app. Would not be without this app now. Great work done developing this app , keep up the good work. 
S Rourke

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-14.*