What Your Cart Says About You: Grocery Store Stereotypes

Judgments and stereotypes can often be formed based on the items in a stranger’s grocery cart. Common assumptions include that a cart filled with instant ramen indicates a college student who lacks cooking skills, while a variety of nut milks and protein powders suggests someone operating a home smoothie shop. A combination of frozen pepperoni pizza and beer may lead to the conclusion that a significant other is the household chef and is currently out of town. And a cart containing multiple cartons of cottage cheese may prompt thoughts of an individual who has been influenced by cooking videos on TikTok.

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