“19 Grocery Splurges You Won’t Believe You’ve Been Adding to Your Cart — And How to Finally Stop!”
5. Pre-cut Produce: Paying for Ease
While undeniably convenient, pre-cut fruits and vegetables come at a significantly higher price than their whole counterparts. Grocery stores understand that many people feel time-pressured and are willing to pay for those extra minutes of saved labor.
If possible, set aside 15-20 minutes on the weekend to wash and chop fresh produce. This small-time investment pays dividends throughout the week, preventing you from reaching for those pricier pre-cut options out of necessity.
6. The Eye-Level Illusion
Grocery stores know that we subconsciously favor items placed directly in our line of sight. The most profitable and heavily marketed products tend to occupy prime real estate at eye level. Look high and low on shelves, as less prominent placement is often where you’ll find generic or lower-priced alternatives.
Practice a little shopping mindfulness. Instead of grabbing what’s immediately accessible, actively scan the whole shelf before selecting. You might be surprised to find better deals or a favorite brand tucked away on a less obvious shelf.
7. “Sales” That Aren’t Actually Sales
Stores often run “sales” or offer “special buys” highlighted with bright red signs or prominent labeling. However, not all advertised discounts are created equal. A flashy sign doesn’t always guarantee you’re getting the best price. Grocery stores use our visual bias towards urgency cues to encourage us to buy quickly, sometimes without checking if the deal is legitimate.
