Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by LaminatorX on Wednesday July 15 2015, @06:42PM   Printer-friendly
from the illusion-of-choice dept.

Shoppers like to think they're in control of their own food decisions, but there's actually a complex web of manipulations between supermarkets and food processors going on behind the scenes.

Who's really in charge at the supermarket? Most of us assume that we're in control of our own shopping decisions. After all, we are the ones with a grocery list in one hand and a wallet in the other. It should be that way. But the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) doesn't believe it's so. Most shoppers, even the most conscientious and frugal, can fall victim to the manipulations of a food industry that pairs up with supermarkets to influence our purchasing decisions.
...
1) Unconscious Mind

Our unconscious minds rely on habit and what's deemed comfortable and familiar to us. Supermarkets use tools such as windowless buildings, forgettable music, large carts, scrumptious bakery smells, and constantly reorganized aisles to make shoppers stay longer and, by extension, spend more.
...
2) Defaults

Defaults are what you get at the supermarket, unless you actively choose something else. This can be packaging size, product formulations, or standard food combinations.
...
3) Willpower Reserves

Supermarkets and food processors count on the fact that many of us will go shopping at the end of a long day, perhaps on the way home from work, or with tired, hungry kids in tow. That's when it's hardest to rely on willpower reserves.

It must explain why Cheetos constantly show up in the shopping cart.


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 2) by dyingtolive on Wednesday July 15 2015, @09:46PM

    by dyingtolive (952) on Wednesday July 15 2015, @09:46PM (#209631)

    To be fair, Costco legitimately can't be beat if you have a use for 10 lbs of bacon or 30 lbs of ground beef.

    Surprisingly decent bacon too.

    --
    Don't blame me, I voted for moose wang!
    Starting Score:    1  point
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   2  
  • (Score: 2) by goodie on Wednesday July 15 2015, @11:23PM

    by goodie (1877) on Wednesday July 15 2015, @11:23PM (#209676) Journal

    True... My old boss had four kids, including 2 teenagers and two younger ones. He always said that his biggest purchases at Costco were stuff like giant parmesan wheels, socks and underwear. I guess when you have a certain volume it makes a lot of sense. My gripe is that compulsive purchases (and bundle purchases that we see more and more) tend to yield more waste unless one is careful. Last time I was tempted by the muffins but they make you buy 2 trays and won't sell them alone. I had to back out which probably was a good idea anyway ;).