Tesco has updated its grocery app for the iPhone to include a barcode reader that will enable customers to add items to their online shopping basket more quickly and simply than ever before.

The barcode scanner for the iPhone is targeted at busy parents and time-poor professionals who want to be able to add specific items to their online shopping basket at anytime, and avoid running the risk of forgetting to add them to the list.

To add an item to their shopping list, the user simple needs to scan the barcode on the item’s packing using the iPhone app. The item will be added to their online basket with one click and will wait there until they are ready to checkout.

“We’re always looking for ways to make life easier for customers and for busy mums in particular,” says Tesco.com CEO, Laura Wade-Gery. “The barcode scanner will make online ordering much quicker for those that have an iPhone. Customers can simply scan the barcode of grocery products stocked by Tesco whilst on the go and add them into their online shopping basket. This is the perfect solution for iPhone lovers that are always forgetting to add items to their shopping list or haven’t the time to even write one.”

The Tesco grocery app was launched two months ago and allows customers to ‘shop on the go’ by ordering groceries from their iPhone. Since launch, it has consistently featured in the Apple App Store’s Top free apps. It was designed and developed by mobile development firm Ribot, who worked closely with Tesco to create a unique but simple shopping experience for customers.

The app is available for free download from the Apple iTunes store. Customers who have already downloaded the previous version of the Tesco grocery app for iPhone will receive an alert to update the app to enable the barcode scanning feature.