Waitrose and DnaNudge to trial DNA-tailored shopping app

Waitrose has partnered with Imperial College London (ICL)-backed start-up DnaNudge to trial an app which will use the DNA of shoppers to help them make healthier choices while food shopping.

Shoppers taking part in the trial will provide a saliva swab and put it into a cartridge which analyses their DNA, to determine whether they are prone to obesity, high blood pressure, or whether they are slow to metabolise caffeine.

The app will then register this data, and when shoppers scan the barcode of products the app will give a green thumbs up or red thumbs down, depending on whether the product is compatible with a shopper’s DNA and metabolism, and will suggest alternatives within the same food category if products are not deemed suitable.

The study aims to determine whether the app’s use of personalised food choices helps improve the health of consumers suffering from pre-diabetes, as one in ten people suffering from the condition can go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

According to ICL, one of the major problems in diabetes prevention is that people are unaware they are at risk of developing the condition, or of the need for to improve their nutritional choices, and the app aims to help improve the health outcomes of participants.

Professor Nick Oliver, department of medicine at ICL said: “This trial allows us, for the very first time, to study how DNA-personalised choices for pre-diabetic people can help prevent high-risk people develop type 2 diabetes.

“The potential for improving public health is very exciting, and we look forward to examining the results from this world-first study.”

Moira Howie, partner and nutrition manager at Waitrose & Partners, added: “This is a supermarket first – working with cutting-edge research technology that may prevent type 2 diabetes developing in those who are prone to it.”

Professor Chris Toumazou, department of electrical and electronic engineering at ICL added: “We are excited to build upon the evidence base for DnaNudge.

“We are very pleased to be supported by Waitrose & Partners as a key partner in this research, which we hope will represent a landmark in harnessing DNA-based food choices for transforming global health.”