There's a certain kind of etiquette we all stick to when buying groceries. Sure, people love debating over personal preferences—the type of shopping cart they choose, pulp vs. no pulp orange juice, or where to find the best deals. But, in general, we all agree on how to behave at the store.
That said, a grocery-store debate recently proved to super divisive amongst my friends. Everyone was firmly in one camp or the other. The debate in question? Whether it's 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's 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. So how is an everyday consumer to know what to do or not to do? After Covid and social distancing, everything has changed, especially the way we buy food. But 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.
People who are anti-sampling argue that it can be challenging to find a bag of grapes that clearly hasn't been opened. And what if someone sneezed or coughed into their hand, then reached in to sample the grapes, but didn't buy them? It goes without saying to always wash fruits and veggies before eating them. 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? Plus, food is getting really, really expensive, and it's difficult to tell how sweet or sour a bunch grapes are just by looking at them. They're often sold by the pound, so it doesn’t matter if one grape is gone.
The debate can go beyond grapes and can also apply to berries. But grapes, for whatever reason, 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, said, “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, said 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 to themselves, especially if it’s a specific variety that peaks customers' interest. If you list the showcase varieties grown by Grapery, one of our grape suppliers in the U.S. and Canada, it sounds like you’re in a candy store: Gum Drops, Flavor Pops, Moon Drops, Tear Drops, and a customer favorite, Cotton Candy."
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 high inflation, store employees tend to understanding that you want to make sure you like what you buy. A little courtesy—for both your fellow customers and the store owners—will go a long way.
FAQs
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 high inflation, store employees tend to understanding that you want to make sure you like what you buy.
Is it okay to try a grape in the grocery store? ›
As long as you follow the proper etiquette, it is totally acceptable to make sure your potential bag of grapes is suitably ripe. In fact, some grocery store employees encourage people to test out the grapes prior to buying. Ask them if you can sample a grape to see if it's ripe enough, and they'll probably oblige.
Can you try fruit at the grocery store? ›
Many grocery stores open/cut the fruit for this very reason. It is called passive sampling that is considered to be a form of experiential marketing. Taking an unopened/uncut fruit, without obtaining an explicit permission first, for a purpose of tasting may be “interpreted” as a theft by a supermarket management.
What should you look for when choosing grapes? ›
Grapes should be firm, plump, well-colored, and firmly attached to green pliable stems. Dry, brittle stems usually cause grapes to drop from the stems and are a sign of poor quality. Moldy and wet grapes indicate decay. Avoid grapes that are shriveled or soft at the stem attachment.
How many grapes should you eat a day? ›
A serving of grapes is approximately 22 fresh grapes, or roughly 1 cup, Shaw confirms. That counts as one of your fruit servings for the day; shoot for 2 to 2½ servings. Feel free to eat a serving of grapes daily or a few times each week; just try to vary your total fruit intake to diversify your micronutrient intake.
Is it okay to sample grapes? ›
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 high inflation, store employees tend to understanding that you want to make sure you like what you buy.
Is it illegal to sample grapes? ›
Technically, it would be considered stealing, though I do it all the time and if the grape tastes OK (not sour) I will buy some. If you want to sample a grape for this purpose, you could ask an employee or the produce manager. If they give you permission, which they usually will, it's legal.
Is trying before you buy legal? ›
The short and long answer? It depends on the food you're snacking on, and also where you're snacking. While eating groceries before buying them is technically legal, the TikTok has has brought up many emotions about whether this behavior should be allowed.
What to avoid when buying fruits? ›
Don't buy pre-cut.
The skin of a fruit protects all of the good stuff inside, so you should try to keep it intact right up until you're ready to use it. Fresh picked, local produce is the best buy when it comes to cost, nutrition, and sustainability. Frozen fruit is a close second.
Is grocery store fruit washed? ›
Supermarkets, as a rule, don't wash produce before putting it out, but many stores mist it while its on display. Misting keeps the produce from drying. Small amounts of surface residues do drain off, but may not be enough.
Avoid buying grapes that are soft, wrinkled or feel sticky. Also, avoid buying grapes with brown spots or dry, brittle stems.
Is it OK to taste grapes before buying? ›
Thankfully, at least, an etiquette has arisen to determine what is and is not acceptable in regard to supermarket grapes. The grocery stores all seem to agree that it's socially acceptable to try a couple of grapes, so long as you receive permission, observe any requested sanitary protocols, and don't eat too many.
Which grapes are the healthiest? ›
There's more to this fruit than meets the eye, though. Grapes are a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and they offer plenty of health benefits. In general, dark red and purple grapes are higher in antioxidants than green or white grapes.
Are grapes too high in sugar? ›
Grapes. A cup of grapes contains 23.2 g of sugar, so a preferable alternative is a half-cup serving. A 2021 study reports that the nutrients in grapes offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Learn more about the health benefits of grapes here.
Is it okay to eat grapes at night? ›
Accordingly, eating grapes before bed is a simple, gentle and wonderful choice in the evening. Such a serving of grapes is both low in calories, rich in nutrients and vitamins, and can help promote better sleep.
Are grapes OK on the counter? ›
The Best Way To Store Grapes
A bowl of countertop grapes may look pretty and inviting, but, in fact, leaving grapes out on the counter is not a good way to keep the fruit fresh. For crisp and tasty grapes (read: not mushy), you'll want to store them in a container in your fridge's crisper drawer.
Are store bought grapes good for you? ›
They are chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients. They also contain fiber and are a low-calorie food. Eating a diet rich in fruits like grapes may reduce your risk of: heart attack.
Are store bought grapes healthy? ›
They're grown all over the world and may come with or without seeds. With so much variety, the fruit may have you wondering, "Are grapes good for you?"—and the answer is yes. In addition to being downright delicious, grapes offer several health benefits from being a source of antioxidants to keeping you hydrated.
Are grapes OK to snack on? ›
Grapes also make a quick and delicious snack you can enjoy at home or on the go. You may find them in various colors, including green, red, black, yellow, and pink. They come in multiple forms, too, from raisins to jellies to juice. Seeded and seedless varieties also exist.
