The moral conundrums of our time are many, but one grocery store practice has left consumers divided, blurring the lines of ethics and social norms. No, we’re not talking about the people who don’t put their shopping carts back — we’re discussing the grape grazers. Snacking on food in a grocery store without purchasing it is a practice known as “grazing,” and it’s frowned upon for most food items, especially if you’re not paying for them (which is considered theft). However, grapes seem to be an exception, with a large number of people supporting the idea of trying grapes in the grocery store.
The general consensus seems to be that it’s socially acceptable to try a couple of grapes from the stem as long as you don’t go overboard. This is likely because grapes, unlike other fruits, are sold in flimsy bags and remain on the stem. Little pieces fall off quite often, so it’s doubtful anyone will notice a missing grape or two from the pack. Store employees probably won’t mind, as there are much greater theft concerns to handle, and they won’t want to involve security over something so minor — it’s a waste of time and effort on their part. So, at the end of the day, grazing a grape here or there isn’t cause for alarm.
The etiquette of grape sampling
If you intend to try grapes at the grocery store, there are some etiquette guidelines to follow. As previously stated, don’t get greedy. The only ways you should be getting a free vine’s worth of grapes are from a vineyard or a priest. You only need a couple of grapes per bunch to test the quality and flavor, and it’s best to do this only if you intend to buy them. Several grocery stores, such as Costco, have free sampling counters or employees who can provide recommendations on which ones to try.
The accessibility of grapes is another factor to consider. If they’re hanging freely in the produce section or sitting in an open bag, that’s quite different from something in an unopened, sealed container. If you’d have to break into a container or damage merchandise in any way, then you’re most certainly not supposed to be sampling those grapes, and it’s going to lead to wasted food unless you pay for it.
Lastly, there’s a difference between “can” and “should” when it comes to trying grapes at the store. You might not face any consequences from engaging in grape grazing, but it could be unwise to put unwashed produce in your mouth after it has traveled through the farm, truck, distribution center, truck (again), and store. Check with an employee about the cleanliness, or wash the grapes at home before eating.
