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Food is the third-largest living expenditure after accommodation and transportation for an average family. That’s probably unavoidable. And in some cases, there are people who we call big-time foodies. They can’t stop themselves from piling up food items at home which looks like a mini supermarket. Do you think you are one of them? Let’s find out
You shop without a grocery list
The grocery list is a wonderful invention, whether it’s on a scrap of paper or your tablet or smartphone. But if you’re an avid food shopper, you don’t really need a grocery list. A grocery list is of course a good way to stop yourself from buying food that you probably won’t use. As a bonus, it also saves your time because you can group food types so you don’t have to wander up and down the same aisles again and again. But avid food shoppers don’t shop according to the grocery list, they need to get if they like something placed on the shelf in the supermarket.
You don’t plan your meals before you shop
Whether or not you write up a grocery list, people usually have at least a rough idea of what they’re going to be cooking or eating in the coming days. But avid food shoppers don’t like to do that, as planning what to eat is not their thing, However, it depends on their mood what they feel like having on a particular day.
You shop hungry
When you’re hungry, everything looks good, even if it’s not on your list or in your plans. Supermarkets depend on their customers making impulse buys and use many tricks to accomplish this goal. If you walk into the treasure house of food products that is the modern supermarket with a raging appetite, you’re just making it easier for them to tempt you into putting things you don’t really need or want into your cart.
You buy items at the ends of grocery aisles
That’s just what the supermarkets want you to do. End-of-aisle displays, called end caps, are known as shopper magnets. The whole idea is that some certain products that stand out need to be on the ends of grocery aisles, now you think that is something special and be unable to resist. The strategy works as products in those positions sell eight times faster than the same item on a regular shelf.
You buy out-of-season produce
Of course, it’s tempting not just for an avid food shopper but for everyone to reach for those bright red tomatoes or those luminous yellow peaches when it’s snowing out. But not only are they unlikely to have the flavor of their summertime equivalents, but they’re also likely imported from far away. When you come across something pretty unusual for the current season, you can’t stop yourself from grabbing it.
You belong to supermarket loyalty programs
These programs are your favorites. Using a market membership card means information about you is being tracked such as what you buy, how much money you spend, what products you prefer, etc. Now, after knowing that you are that supermarket’s regular customer you keep getting notifications and updates about the offers and new stuff that arrived in the market. Also, the best thing about loyalty programs is that they save you money, with pricing on individual items and sometimes overall discounts.
You love coupons
Supermarket coupons, frequently sponsored by manufacturers to introduce new products or stimulate sales, are a great way to save money. Published in newspapers, online, and in flyers, they typically offer substantial discounts or two-for-one deals. You always try to get as many food coupons as possible so that you can always get something extra apart from what you wanted to buy.
You use meal delivery services often
DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub. Where would we be without these ever more popular meal delivery services, bringing us almost any kind of food we can imagine, from a Big Mac to a chicken subway and waffles? Ordering in from your favorite restaurant is undeniably convenient and of course, the easiest thing.
Food is your largest expense
For most households, housing is their largest expense, followed by transportation. Being an avid food shopper, if you buy expensive grocery options and frequently eat at restaurants, you may be surprised to see just how fast your overall food bill can add up. Also, it’s difficult to keep track of your food expenses when you are visiting the supermarket daily but no wonder your expenses shoot up.
