What your love for grocery shopping quietly reveals about how your mind works—and why psychology says it might be more meaningful than you think.

Let’s be honest: some people sprint through grocery stores like they’re escaping a zombie apocalypse. Others? They wander through the aisles like it’s a form of low-key therapy.

If you’re the latter—if you genuinely enjoy grocery shopping—then it turns out psychology has something to say about that. And no, it’s not that you’re weird. Quite the opposite, actually.

People who like grocery shopping tend to share a handful of personality traits that go way beyond what’s in their cart.

Here are seven of them.

Let’s unpack this—cart first.

1. You like feeling in control

Life is unpredictable. Plans fall through. Meetings run over. Weather ruins your outfit. But the grocery store? That’s your turf.

You get to decide what’s for dinner, which fruit to smell-test, whether you’re going full basil tofu mode or sticking with old-school marinara.

This ability to make small decisions that shape your daily life gives people a much-needed sense of control. And that’s huge for psychological well-being.

As noted by Dr. Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice, “When people feel like they have agency—even in small ways—it boosts confidence and life satisfaction.”

Enjoying grocery shopping might be your brain’s way of saying, “Finally. A domain where I call the shots.”

2. You enjoy sensory experiences

Let’s break it down. You’ve got the scent of fresh bread. The sound of carts clicking. The icy air in the freezer section. The rainbow of produce.

For people who are tuned into their senses, grocery shopping isn’t just functional—it’s immersive.

You notice how firm the peaches are. You pause when a new spice blend catches your eye. You maybe even get a little thrill testing out a different oat milk brand.

This aligns with a concept in psychology known as sensory seeking. As Dr. Rachel Herz explains in her research on olfaction and emotion, “People who are more sensitive to sensory input tend to seek out experiences that stimulate their senses.”

Grocery shopping gives you a multi-sensory playground. And you’re not just tolerating it—you’re savoring it.

3. You tend to plan ahead

Let’s be real: the people who hate grocery shopping? They’re the ones who go when their fridge looks like a sad museum exhibit.

But those who like it? They’re planners.

You probably know what meals you’re cooking this week, what snacks are running low, and whether that tofu in the fridge has one more day left in it.

This is a personality trait tied to future orientation—a mindset where you make decisions today that benefit you tomorrow. Walter Mischel’s marshmallow test isn’t just about delayed gratification. It’s about executive function, impulse control, and goal clarity.

Planning your meals and stocking your pantry with purpose? That’s long-game behavior. And it reflects how you approach more than just dinner.

You’re someone who thinks ahead—and grocery shopping is your way of practicing it.

4. You find comfort in routine

You know the route. Produce first. Then frozen. Then dry goods. Then treats (if you’re feeling it).

There’s something about this rhythm that just… works. It’s calming. Familiar. Kind of like driving the same route home and knowing every pothole and shortcut.

I noticed this while traveling in Japan a few years ago. Every morning, I’d hit the same corner store for miso soup and a triangle of onigiri. It became a grounding ritual in a place where everything else was new.

That’s what grocery shopping is like for a lot of us. It’s not just about picking up food—it’s a way to check in with ourselves.

As psychologist Marni Amsellem puts it, “Routines offer predictability and structure, which help reduce mental load and emotional friction.”

In other words? That loop you take around the store might be doing more for your mental health than you think.

5. You’re naturally curious

Ever picked up a mystery fruit just because it looked cool? Or grabbed a new brand of vegan jerky that you weren’t even sure was jerky?

That’s curiosity in action.

People who enjoy grocery shopping often treat it like a scavenger hunt. There’s a little thrill in finding something new, whether it’s a plant-based cheese that doesn’t taste like regret or a spice you’ve only ever seen on food blogs.

This is part of what psychologists call openness to experience—one of the Big Five traits associated with imagination, variety-seeking, and intellectual curiosity.

Dr. Colin DeYoung, a leading researcher in personality science, notes: “Openness involves the motivation to explore both inner and outer worlds, and that includes everyday environments.”

So yeah, exploring new aisles counts.

And that curiosity you show at the store? It probably shows up elsewhere too—in your playlists, your reading habits, maybe even in the way you choose your friends.

6. You take pride in feeding yourself (and others)

I lived with someone once who never cooked. Like, ever. His kitchen had two items: a fork and a protein powder tub.

Totally fine, no shade. But for some of us, food is more than fuel—it’s an expression.

You might enjoy grocery shopping because it connects you to something deeper: the act of care.

Maybe it’s for yourself. Maybe for your partner. Maybe you’re the designated snack supplier in your friend group.

This falls under the psychological concept of self-determination theory, which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Feeding yourself—choosing your food, preparing it, making it yours—hits all three.

And if you cook for others? That’s bonus points in the empathy and relational intelligence department.

This is backed by experts like Dr. Gary Chapman, who developed the five love languages. Acts of service—like making a meal—are a core way people give and receive love. Grocery shopping becomes a love language all on its own.

7. You’re mindful of how you spend

Let’s talk money.

Grocery shopping isn’t free, and for a lot of people, that makes it stressful. But for those who enjoy it, there’s often a financial awareness at play.

You notice unit prices. You know which brands are worth it. You weigh cost vs. quality without spiraling into decision fatigue.

This is tied to something called conscious consumption—a behavior pattern that prioritizes intentional spending. And it’s not just about saving money. It’s about making purchases that reflect your values, whether that’s health, sustainability, or supporting small brands.

The Journal of Consumer Psychology published a study showing that people who apply mindfulness to their shopping decisions tend to feel more in control of their finances—and less regret after spending.

You’re not just buying stuff. You’re engaging with your budget, your health goals, and your ethics. And all while picking out tortillas. Not bad.

The bottom line

If you’ve ever found yourself strangely at peace walking through a grocery store, now you know—it’s not just about the food.

You might be someone who craves routine, enjoys sensory experiences, and takes pride in planning and caring for yourself. You’re probably curious, thoughtful with your money, and maybe even a little bit of a control enthusiast (in the best way).

Psychology has your back on this one.

So next time someone side-eyes you for being excited about grocery shopping, just smile. You’re not just shopping. You’re expressing a surprisingly rich set of personality traits, all while choosing the perfect head of broccoli.

And hey—there are worse ways to show up for yourself.