Are you 'that' shopper? The grocery shopping habits that drive everyone crazy

Supermarkets can feel like a grocery shopping obstacle course, where the rules of the outside world don't apply.

Each individual shopper is on a quest to feed their families for the lowest prices possible, but are also left to navigate certain behaviours that increase the difficulty level of this seemingly simple mission.

We asked fellow shoppers to share their most common gripes from their own grocery shopping experiences, and it turned into quite the rant.

Some common themes appeared, and so we asked Zarife Hardy from the Australian School of Etiquette to offer up her expert advice on each of these common supermarket etiquette breaches.

1. Shoppers who block the aisle with their trolleys

Being blocked by other people's trolleys can be so annoying.

It's particularly frustrating when those trolleys are left in the middle of the aisle while the shopper goes to get something, or they leave it in a diagonal position while they bend down to see something on a lower aisle.

"I get really really frustrated when people stand in the middle of the aisle looking for something on the shelf and not moving out of the way of people trying to get past with their trolleys," one shopper said.

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"Blocking the entire aisle because you don't feel like you have to move or aren't aware of the growing queue of people waiting to pass you is the actual worst."

We asked Hardy if it's okay to push these trolleys out of the way.

Hardy said: "Yes, however let's ensure it is done in a respectful and considered manner.

"No abrupt or forceful actions, just a calm and gentle approach when moving a person's trolley."

One nine.com.au staffer advised "if you have a trolley, keep to the left so that traffic flows freely".

2. Approaching a self-checkout before the previous customer has removed all of their items

Self-checkouts can be extraordinarily frustrating, particularly because they are newer spaces in the supermarket and the rules of using them seem to still be forming.

Common gripes include "when people are too dozy and don't notice when a self checkout is free" – and then there are shoppers who approach a self-checkout before the previous shopper has had a chance to leave with all their items.

Staying alert so you know when it is your turn seems like a no brainer, and also prevents the shame of a fellow shopper having to alert you to the free checkout, or the staffer.

With new smart-gate technology in 2026 making the self-checkout process even slower, invading someone's space is more stressful than ever.

When it comes to approaching a self-check out that hasn't yet been cleared, Hardy agrees this is a "definite no-no".

"You should never approach a self-checkout until the previous person has completely finished and stepped away," Hardy explained.

"Moving in too early can feel like an intrusion into their personal space, always be courteous and wait your turn."

3. Groups of people, families, blocking aisles

Supermarkets are a combination of purposeful individual shoppers, and sometimes meandering groups of families.

Then there are the couples.

Of each of these grocery shopper types, it is the groups or families who seem to cause the most annoyance, particularly when they bunch up together and block the aisle for other shoppers while the family member in charge does the work of choosing the grocery item.

If families absolutely must shop together, sticking to the left seems to be the common advice from staffers.

Hardy adds that when faced by one of these human blockades in the supermarket aisle, you need to "use your manners".

"Simply say, 'Please excuse me' so they step to the side.

"There's no need to be rude."

4. People who walk too slowly

There are definitely differently-paced shoppers in the supermarket. Some simply want to get in and out as fast as possible. For others, it is a slower, more enjoyable experience.

This means faster shoppers may become stuck behind the slower ones, which can cause annoyance.

Hardy says this isn't something that can be avoided.

"People are entitled to move at their own pace in a supermarket," she says.

"There are no speed rules."

Her advice is to "simply go around when possible".

5. Not returning unwanted products to the correct place

"It drives me nuts when people decide they don't want something and just put it back on a random spot on the shelves," one shopper shared.

"Especially if it's cold/frozen and just shoved on the shelf next to the cereal. It's so rude!"

One shopper who used to work night fill at Coles for years described this as "incredibly frustrating".

Hardy says this is a clear example of "poor etiquette".

"If you don't want it, put it back where you found it, or give it to a staff member. No excuses."

6. People helping themselves to the free fruit for kids

Many supermarkets have free fruit baskets for kids, and there is nothing more annoying than these baskets being emptied by shoppers, leaving none for hungry children who enter the store later.

"I saw a woman (with no kids) go up to the 'free fruit for kids' basket and just take a banana and put it in her purse," one shopper reported.

Then there are the shoppers who insist on trying fruit before purchasing it, particularly grapes, although one shopper reported this being done with mandarins.

Hardy said this behaviour is "inappropriate and can be considered a form of shoplifting. Please do the right thing and avoid treating the supermarket as a buffet".

"And, the fruit is for the kids only," Hardy added.

7. Parents who let their kids push the trolley

Shopping with children is always going to be challenging, but kids belong in the world too, and child-free shopping centres are never going to happen.

But letting children control the shopping trolley adds a new layer of frustration for shoppers seeking a faster, more efficient experience.

"I loathe when people let their young kids control the trolley," one shopper said.

"They are constantly in the way and have zero situational awareness, so it just creates problems for everyone else"

Hardy said this can be "a tricky situation".

"The best approach is to remain courteous, simply say excuse me, pass safely, and move on without comment.

"It's best to avoid drawing attention and allow the parent and child to continue their shopping journey."

8. People with large backpacks

Shoppers who insist on lugging around large backpacks or even carry around scooters and other items can cause problems for fellow shoppers.

"Once I was in the Manly Harris Farm on a Sunday arvo (it was packed) and this man was in there with his three kids and they were all carrying scooters around the store.

"The aisles are soo small and cramped. Leave them outside! I highly doubt someone is gonna steal them."

Hardy agrees this is "bad etiquette" if it is blocking others. She says this is all about being mindful of others.

"With awareness and positioning, it's completely fine. Keep backpacks close to your body in tight aisles.

"And be mindful of other shoppers by allowing space for them to pass."

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