Americans less likely to buy fruit and vegetables when grocery shopping online

A new study shows that Americans are less likely to make healthy choices when shopping online, especially because they don’t trust the delivery courier to get the freshest fruits and vegetables.

New York University researchers collected data from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) buyers and found that they were more likely to purchase nonperishable processed products rather than fresh produce when using online shopping programs.

They were also less likely to purchase confectionery such as fudge, possibly because they were not attracted to goods like in the brick-and-mortar shop where they were placed in areas that encouraged the consumer to buy.

Online shopping programs are growing in America for both SNAP buyers and consumers in general, and popular apps like Uber Eats and Doordash have even added to their offerings in recent years to conquer the market.

In 2019, SNAP benefits became available on some online grocery delivery platforms. Usage will be further expanded in 2020 to keep buyers at a safe distance during the pandemic.

Professor Angela Trude, lead author of the study, said in a statement, “Expanding SNAP’s online policies during the pandemic was important in providing low-income people with equal opportunities to access groceries.” she said.

The research team, which published its findings in Appetite last month, first interviewed 310 families in the Maryland government outreach program.

They found that 57% of shoppers had used an online shopping service in the past and were mostly positive about their experience.

When families reported their supermarket choices, the researchers found that they were 70% less likely to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish when shopping online than when shopping in person.

Shoppers in interviews reported fearful that the courier would choose which package of fruit or meat to buy.

Participants were also 49% less likely to purchase sweets such as candy, cookies, and cakes.

They reported that it was easier to virtually resist this temptation, and that there were no children who would force them to make bad choices.

Supermarkets, among many other supermarkets, have been set up to persuade people to make poor food choices, and some experts point out that having sugar at the checkout (a staple food item in the United States) benefits retailers. ‘decision fatigue’ †

After someone spends their entire trip to the supermarket comparing what to buy, what brand to choose, and comparing prices, they may be mentally taxed enough to make a bad choice at the end of the trip.

This phenomenon does not exist in virtual shopping, as someone does not have to walk past a counter with unhealthy food at check-out.

Researchers say consumers need to be educated to help them make better decisions at supermarkets.

However, some delivery platforms use decision fatigue to their advantage, as a drop-down menu shows the customer the sweet and savory options just before they go to the cart and pay.

Online shopping is a promising tool for reducing access to food, but our study shows that it can lead to less healthy food intake, partly due to uncertainty and insecurity about how these products are chosen. ” said Trude.

Teaching Americans how to make healthier choices at the grocery store could help solve the nation’s current obesity crisis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 40% of Americans are obese and 70% are overweight.

Another survey conducted by Attest earlier this year found that only 9% of Americans make optimal decisions at grocery stores.