Kiwis Divided: Is Snacking in Supermarkets Acceptable? Survey Results May Surprise You
Eating a snack while grocery shopping – is it acceptable or frowned upon? A recent poll conducted by ZM radio hosts Fletch, Vaughan, and Hayley sought to gauge the opinions of New Zealanders on this subject. The results of the survey revealed that the majority of respondents, a whopping 84 percent, believed that snacking in supermarkets is not appropriate.
The poll offered two options: Yes! I’m going to pay anyway and No way just wait hon. Out of the total number of participants, only 16 percent were in favor of snacking and shopping simultaneously. The overwhelming response against the practice may be attributed to concerns surrounding potential embarrassment. Fletch, one of the hosts, confessed that he personally finds it awkward to see people eating while wandering the supermarket aisles. He stated, I feel like you would get judgment walking around the supermarket eating something. Like, I’ve seen people do it and I’m like, ugh.
There are also practical considerations that discourage snacking before paying for purchases. Hayley raised a valid point by asking, What if your card declines and you’re putting through a bunch of empty packets and you’re like, ‘Oh, I need to ring my dad?’ Indeed, such situations can be quite embarrassing.
Unsurprisingly, the parents who voted Yes were in favor of snacking during their shopping trips. For them, keeping their children entertained and fed is a top priority. One parent shared, That 14 percent is parents of toddlers who feed them so they can shop … free fruit only lasts so long. It seems that parents view snacking as a necessity when trying to survive a day of errands with young kids. However, even among this group, limits exist. One parent clarified that while it may be acceptable for children to have a small snack, they draw the line at indulging in bags of chips or cookies.
Others argued that snacking can sometimes be a matter of necessity. A person with type 1 diabetes shared that they have experienced low blood sugar levels while shopping and required an instant sugar boost. In such cases, they feel compelled to open a pack of jellybeans before paying for it later. However, some respondents firmly opposed this behavior, stating, It isn’t yours to eat until you’ve paid for it!
The debate also extends to consuming beverages during the shopping experience. One individual admitted to grabbing a drink, going through the checkout, discarding the empty container, and then returning to the store to continue shopping. Vaughan, one of the radio hosts, pointed out the potential difficulties of explaining this process if questioned, suggesting it might be easier to simply drink the beverage while shopping and scanning it at the end.
While the poll offers insights into public opinion, it remains unclear whether New Zealand supermarkets have an official policy regarding mid-shop snacking. A representative from Countdown, when asked for comment, stated that customers are generally encouraged to pay for items before consuming them in-store. However, they acknowledged the occasional snack emergency and suggested that the packets be scanned and handed over at checkout.
As of now, Foodstuffs, the owner of New World, Pak’nSave, and Four Square supermarkets, has not provided any official guidelines or comments on the matter.
In conclusion, New Zealanders appear divided on the issue of snacking in supermarkets. While the majority believes it is not acceptable, parents and those with specific needs argue in favor of the practice. The lack of a clear official policy also adds to the confusion. So, next time you find yourself craving a snack while shopping, consider the perspectives and opinions shared in this survey.
