There are some unspoken rules when it comes to grocery shopping etiquette. Of course, there are the basic things like waiting your turn in line and being aware of your shopping cart. But there are also a few things that might be divisive. One in particular struck a chord with my friends: Is it okay to sample grapes at the store before you buy them?
Half the group said it's disgusting and unsanitary. Plus, it's technically stealing from the store. The other half said that if they’re spending that much for fresh produce, there’s no harm in trying a few grapes before buying a big bunch.
There isn't really consistency on the rules from store to store. For example, in New Jersey, where I live, some stores let you husk fresh summer corn on the cob so you can see what you’re buying. Other stores take a firm stance against customers doing this. For something as small as a grape, why can't we come to a general consensus? It’s become such "a thing" that even The Simpsons did a joke about it. It's clear which side Lisa is on.
Anti-sampling people argue that it can be difficult to find a bag of grapes that hasn't been opened. And what if someone sneezed or coughed into their hand, sampled the grapes, but didn't buy them? It goes without saying to always wash produce before eating it. Still, there's an ick factor around strangers touching your food.
On the flip side, pro-sampling people maintain that it doesn't matter because grapes are so small. What does a single grape cost, a penny? They're often sold by the pound, so it doesn’t matter if one grape is gone. It's also difficult to tell how sweet or sour a bunch of grapes is just by looking at it.
The debate can extend to berries as well. But grapes seem to be the most common (and controversial) fruit when it comes to sneaking samples.
Some folks in the grocery industry were more than happy to chime in. Susan Morris, Chief Operations Officer for Albertsons Companies, which operates Safeway, Shaw’s, ACME, and more, says, "We’d love for customers to sample our grapes! To help maintain a sanitary environment, however, feel free to ask one of our store employees for assistance before digging in. Plus, he or she may be a great resource for deciding which grapes are best to buy, depending on the season or your recipe needs. Cotton Candy grapes are my favorite!"
Laurie McCann, who worked at ShopRite customer service for over 40 years, says what's probably on many grocery store owners’ minds: "I can’t imagine that the owners are thrilled about customers eating their profits. But as long as they aren't eating the whole bag, store employees will tend to look the other way when it comes to tasting a grape or two."
Produce buyer Mike DeClercq at Whole Foods Market was also happy to chime in: "Grapes are one of the most common items we wash and include in the 'sample domes' in our produce department, where customers can self-serve a sample, especially if it’s a specific variety that peaks customers' interest."
The bottom line? An employee won’t report you for sampling a grape, but for good etiquette and peace of mind, simply ask them before tasting anything. With inflation, many store employees understand that you might want to ensure you like what you buy. A little courtesy—for both your fellow customers and the store owners—will go a long way.
