Heading out to the grocery store on an empty stomach could cost you. 76% of Americans admit they’re more likely to blow their budget if they shop while hungry, according to a new survey from One Poll, commissioned by Dole Food Company.
The average person does two grocery store runs a week, where they spend an average of $162.00. Shopping while your stomach growls costs you an extra $26 per trip.
OnePoll’s study of 2,000 Americans found that six in ten shoppers also say they’re likely to discard their health goals at the door when they’re on the verge of hangry. A majority say they’ll typically spend up to 20% more than what they’ve set aside for groceries for the week.
Only one-fifth exhibited the self-control to not ever overspend the amount they’ve budgeted for groceries.
Shopping Habits
The study, conducted by OnePoll and , took a comprehensive look at Americans’ grocery and produce shopping habits, food needs, and priorities when it comes to shopping for their families and nourishing themselves.
During a typical week, respondents usually need to visit two stores to find all the items they need. Their standard grocery run takes 39 minutes. The average person usually shops to feed two, while 30% of people shop only to feed themselves.
Going to the store can be stressful for a lot of people, especially if the grocery store is packed full of other shoppers. The best time to shop to avoid rushes and crowds is 8:00 a.m.-9:59 a.m. The worst time is 4:00 p.m.-5:59 p.m., and the most popular time to shop is between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 a.m.
“I used to love grocery shopping more than I loved clothes shopping, but in the last couple of years, I feel more and more overwhelmed,” says Emese Maczko of Eco Lodges Anywhere. “Too many things are on display. I want to make educated decisions, but I had to focus hard on not getting swayed by shiny packaging.”
More than half of Americans will typically shop with a grocery list, and 79% of those who do say they’re less likely to overspend while shopping. Old habits seem to die hard. The study found three in four said their grocery hauls include items similar to those their parents purchased during their childhood.
When it comes to certain brands, 41% have preferred brands and said they’re willing to visit an additional store to purchase them if their usual store doesn’t have them in stock. In fact, according to the research, specific brands can be very important to consumers: 39% of Americans reported that they’re willing to pay more for brands that make their values known when it comes to transparency for sourcing, supply chain, and environmental sustainability.
“It makes me anxious,” continues Maczko. “So we opt for shopping online and choose trusted brands and products.”
On average, respondents would be willing to pay a price nearly one tenth higher than what they’re already spending if it ensured they could have the highest-quality produce and nutrient-dense healthy foods.
The most common “must-haves” for every grocery haul are bread, eggs, meat, milk or milk substitutes, coffee, and bananas. However, despite bananas’ popularity, 60% of respondents were unaware that bananas are the most-purchased grocery item in the U.S.
Nutrition Takes a Backseat
The survey found that Americans rank food variety, quick and convenient foods, protein-rich foods, and inexpensive foods as their highest food priorities. This means that nutrition isn’t always at the top of shoppers’ minds when entering the store. Only 21% of respondents claim to be influenced by a desire for nutrition while shopping.
In the produce section, respondents are most likely to snag bananas, grapes, and apples on their way to the checkout line. Grabbing some healthy choices while at the store is important for every family’s nutrition.
Finding nutrition is even harder for those who live in a food desert. Food deserts are areas where people have few or no convenient options for securing affordable and healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. A lot of food deserts are in low-income areas of cities. Residents in these neighborhoods often struggle to find reliable transportation, let alone afford the higher costs at bigger, fancier grocery stores.
Food deserts affect about 40.5 million Americans in USDA-designated food deserts nationwide. People in these areas might turn to cheaper fast-food, or inexpensive yet unhealthy food they can find at local gas stations or convince stores.
Teams across the nation work to address food insecurity and food deserts. They promote and help establish local farmers markets, community gardens, and food sharing networks across communities. The goal is to allow everyone a fair chance at getting the nutritious food they need in their diets.
“A high-quality food shouldn’t break the bank. It should nourish us, be ethically sourced and should be readily available to consumers,” says William Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole. “We believe health should be our highest priority and should be reflected in the way people shop.”
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This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.