Take a Spin Through the Grocery Aisles and We'll Reveal Your Emotional Age

By: Zoe Samuel

5 Min Quiz

Image: Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Grocery shopping is one of those chores that just has to be done. Almost nobody likes it, no matter how much time and money supermarkets spend to make you want to be there. The sole exception might be the farmer's market or co-op, where you actually know the people you're buying from and can really enjoy seeing them and finding out what's in season. Absent that human connection, grocery shopping is mostly a burden.

The upshot of this, of course, is that everyone does it in the way that makes it as painless as possible for them. For some, that means getting around as fast as they can while working from a pre-arranged list. For others, that means meandering slowly through the aisles like a prey animal grazing on the savanna, picking up whatever takes their fancy while listening to a podcast and zoning out. For still others, the unpleasantness of the task is superseded by the need to really watch their health (or that of those for whom they are shopping) and/or their budget. These folks naturally have to seek out bargains and go around brand names to more generic options.

How do you shop for groceries, and what does it tell us? Let's find out!

Which section do you go to first?

Candy

Alcohol
Produce

Canned goods

Do you use a shopping list?

LOL, no.

I write down things after I pick them, then cross them off. It makes me feel like an adult.
Of course, it's a color-coded spreadsheet.

I scribble down a few things.

For how many people are you shopping?

My boo and me

Me
My family

My cat and me

When do you like to shop?

Sometime during the day, usually? I guess?

Usually whenever I have the munchies
After work, unfortunately

When it's not busy

For how long a period of time do you shop during one visit?

Whatever I want that minute

Whatever I want that night
At least two weeks' worth

About a week's worth.

Do you bring your own bags?

Nope.

No, but I don't use the ones there either. I never have enough stuff.
Yes, I have totes.

I bring a utility cart.

Do you organize your groceries in the cart to make bagging more efficient?

Nope

No, I have three items.
Yes, I am a well-oiled machine.

Good idea!

Do you always have your money out before you reach checkout?

Wow, that would be cool. But no.

I try to
Of course

Never

Do you have a loyalty card?

No, that's how they get your info.

I do but I lost it.
Yes, many

Just one

Are you brand loyal?

Yes, intensely

Mostly
Depends on the item

Nope

Do you have any techniques for not making rash purchases?

Nope

Being broke as heck usually does the trick.
Never bring more money than I need.

Never shop on an empty stomach.

What's the most important thing to you when you shop?

Candy

Speed
Good purchases

Budget

Do you use coupons?

If I got one as a gift, sure

I never really remember to use them.
A few, yes

Yes, I am an extreme couponer.

Do you check for ethical concerns, like cage-free eggs or pork products raised without farrowing cages?

I didn't even know you could do that.

I think about it but then, no.
Of course

When I can

Do you care about food miles?

I don't know what that is.

Not really
Of course

Yes, but not more than the price

Do you check to see what fruits and vegetables are in season?

What does that mean, in season? Like, in fashion?

Nope
Yes, I always know.

I do but if I really want something, I'll get it anyway.

Do you touch all the fruit before choosing the ones you want?

I don't want fruit.

I touch them when I'm NOT buying them.
Nope

Yep. I am That Person.

How do you pay?

Pennies

Credit card
Debit card

Cash

Do you pack your own bags even if there is a person to do it for you?

Nope!

I would but I'm usually a bit stoned at the supermarket.
Of course

It depends

Do you use self checkout?

Yes, then they can't judge me for all the candy.

Yes, it's quicker.
If it's a shorter line

No, I like speaking with a person.

Can you resist throwing in a little treat from the checkout lane?

Nope!

I don't even try, bro.
Of course

I have no choice. I'll be at budget by the time I get there.

Do you buy pre-made meals?

Is there another kind?

I would if I ate proper meals.
Only for the occasional meal and only when I know what's in them

Nope, it's actually more expensive.

Do you know how to assess the nutritional value of an item by reading the details on the back?

It's gibberish to me.

I know lots of calories is bad.
Of course

I'm not sure about some of the details.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by choice and freeze up?

Constantly, then I cry

Sometimes, yes
No, I just pick something.

I just get whatever is cheapest.

What is the least dressed-up you've ever gone to the grocery store?

Pajamas

Remnants of last night's party outfit
Workout gear

Jeans and a shirt

If you see a special deal, do you usually go for it?

I don't notice that sort of thing.

Yes! It's shiny, it must be good.
I calculate if it's actually a good deal first!

I stick to my plan.

Do you avoid stores that are known for unethical business practices, like monopolistic behavior or using lobbyists to get politicians to slant the market?

I don't understand why I would care about that.

I totally would, but I'm super broke.
Of course

I would, but the bad ones killed all the good ones in my town.

Do you get mad if they don't have your favorite flavor, when you know they usually stock it?

Yes, and then I cry

More sad than mad
No, I just get something else.

I ask for it. Sometimes they have it in the back.

How do you feel about asking for help?

Terrified they will judge me for all the candy

I would never!
Fine, I'm always polite, after all.

Entitled to it

Do you actually physically go to the grocery store?

Yes - that is where they keep the candy.

Yes, I don't plan well enough to get delivery.
Not in years, no

I do but my kids say I must try a delivery service.

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!