There's an aspect of placing groceries into a digital cart that feels uncomfortable to me. I can't determine the ripeness of an avoc...
There's an aspect of placing groceries into a digital cart that feels uncomfortable to me. I can't determine the ripeness of an avocado or the scent of tomatoes just by viewing an image online. A small picture isn't able to inform me about the firmness of an onion's skin or the precise color of pre-packaged chicken, which is essential in gauging the freshness of the item.
I am convinced that observing, handling, and smelling contribute to a deeper connection with food. Understanding what to look for regarding freshness and ripeness significantly impacts how you prepare and consume meals. The more I purchase fresh produce in person, the more skilled I become at recognizing the appearance of my fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
In brief: visiting the supermarket in person enables me to spend the necessary time selecting the ideal ingredients, rather than relying on chance.
We are more separated from our food – and its origins – than at any other time. A 2019 survey revealed that millions of Britonsfailed to accurately recognize common fruits and vegetables, confusing mangoes with apples. Another study, released in 2018, found that even though they consume 312 meat-filled meals annually, most Britsdidn't know where their meat was sourced fromand from which part of which animal – nearly a third confessing they have never actually seen a cow or pig in person. And online shopping only makes this issue worse.
It's no surprise that online grocery shopping has stayed popular for valid reasons, including ease and availability. Supermarkets have perfected their delivery processes, creating efficient systems that deliver food and household items to millions of satisfied households (though sometimes substitutions can go wrong, leaving you with cat litter instead of toilet paper).
More than a third of Britonsclaim that they complete the majority of their grocery shopping via the internet, and the need for "e-grocery" keeps increasing,nearly doubling since 2016.
But every week, I still decide to go to my local Aldi or M&S (I live between the two and would do anything for a decent Morrisons) to pick up my groceries rather than ordering them from the comfort of my couch.
I hadn't considered this unusual until a friend exclaimed "WHAT?" at me with such surprise when I brought it up, making me doubt everything. Even throughout the pandemic, I enjoyed standing in line to enter stores instead of giving in and ordering online.
On the rare occasions I've thought about purchasing items online, I tend to overlook details I would typically pay attention to when shopping in person, like the origin of the produce. For some reason—even though this information is right in front of me on the screen—I'm more inclined to disregard the fact that the apples I'm looking at have traveled 11,500 miles from New Zealand when I'm viewing an online listing instead of holding them directly.
I enjoy shopping in person as it helps me meet my daily step goal. Most days, I work from home, and if I don't take a deliberate walk, my average step count stays between 300-500, depending on whether I clean the floor or not. On days when I need to restock the fridge or pantry, I look forward to the 30-minute round trip that allows me to move around. Occasionally, if I feel particularly motivated, I'll start at Aldi to buy more affordable essentials and then walk in the opposite direction to M&S for the more premium items. By the time I return home, my step count will have increased by a reliable 5,000 steps.
If you don't have mobility issues, I strongly recommend that more people walk to their nearby supermarket. Especially during the cold and dark winter season, when being outdoors is very unappealing, going in person for your weekly shopping provides a feeling of purpose and a motivation to leave your home. A quick walk in the cold is also believed to be helpful as it strengthens your immune system and burns additional calories – just remember to dress warmly.
Shopping in person also helps me save money. Since I can only carry what I can manage home, I usually buy just what I need for the day or week while at the supermarket. This encourages me to think carefully about what I should and shouldn't purchase. Naturally, this approach varies if you have a car and can fill the trunk. However, if, like me, walking is your only choice, I typically go with a list of essentials. If the items are heavy, such as bottles of cooking oil and cans of tomatoes, I temporarily skip the treats and focus on restocking what's necessary.
Shopping in person is also enjoyable if you're a fan of yellow sticker deals. I enjoy searching for them, and occasionally you can find food that's near its expiration date, which you can put in the freezer and eat later – for less than half the regular price. What's not to like? There's simply no excitement in browsing through endless categories online.
The social element of visiting the supermarket is very attractive, even if I don't really engage in conversations with others. Simply being in the company of people is sufficient, and I make an effort to always greet the security guards with a smile and a wave, even though this is London and they might find me a little odd. As a freelancer, I miss the social interaction that comes with working in a regular team and a physical office, so I seek it out wherever possible.
Loneliness poses a significant challenge in the UK, according to 2024 data indicating thatAround 3.9 million individuals in England experience a strong sense of loneliness. Although I don't genuinely see myself as part of that group, working alone sometimes makes me long for social contact. I can't stop thinking about what I would lose if I only shopped from the comfort of my home – how much more isolated I would become.
One aspect I would like to see improved? I strongly hope that my local supermarkets included butcher and fishmonger sections, but these are increasingly uncommon in stores today. (However, I am fortunate to have a standalone independent butcher and fishmonger located not too far away). If your supermarket offers either or both of these areas, take advantage of them! Examine the meat, speak with the staff, and benefit from their knowledge. This is essential for enhancing and preserving our connection with food, and your meals will be much better because of it.
Therefore, the next time you have to go grocery shopping, I strongly suggest making your list, putting on your boots and scarf, and heading to your closest supermarket.
Smell a loose tomato and press an avocado lightly, examine whether the asparagus was produced locally or if the lamb you're looking at has come from far away to reach your hands. Learn more about your food – your body will appreciate it.
