Hungry shopping can add $26 to grocery bills, study finds

Shopping on an empty stomach can add roughly $26 to a grocery bill per trip, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. The study found the worst time to shop is between 4 p.m. and 5:59 p.m., when many are finishing their workday and feeling dinner hunger. About 76% of respondents say they ignore their budget when hungry, and six in 10 admit they sacrifice healthier eating habits as cravings rise. Hunger can push people toward items their bodies crave, such as salty snacks or sweets.

In addition to hunger, shoppers are seeking variety in meals (35%), convenient and quick options (34%), protein-packed meals (32%), and affordable options (30%). Bananas were the top impulse purchase at 33%, followed by grapes at 30% and apples at 22%. The study’s sponsors highlighted the banana angle as part of a broader look at how Americans prioritize food needs during shopping.

William Goldfield, director of corporate communications for Dole, said: "A high-quality food shouldn't break the bank. It should nourish us, be ethically sourced, and be readily available to consumers. We believe health should be our highest priority and should be reflected in the way people shop. For our 125th anniversary of growing and marketing bananas, we commissioned this study to look at how Americans spend on what's important to them when it comes to food and their hierarchy of food needs."

There are other mistakes people make when grocery shopping that can lead to a higher grocery bill. Not making a shopping list can lead you to spend on items you don’t necessarily need — and you might end up forgetting essentials and having to go back and spend more. Be sure to check the unit prices of items since the bigger package isn’t always the best deal. Additionally, buying pre-cut produce is pricier than cutting it yourself. Those who shop on an empty stomach consistently spend $26 more than they initially planned to.

A big factor that leads to people wasting money at the grocery store is buying items that can go bad quickly. Don’t grab items with an expiration date that’s coming up soon, and be wary of purchasing too many perishables. Of course, double-check for any digital offers and coupons that can help with savings.