Grocery Shopping + Free Food Samples
By Michelle
@infatuatedbby (95001)
United States
May 30, 2016 11:19am CST
Many stores now offer food samples throughout the store whether it may be: bread, fruits, chips, snacks, drinks, frozen foods, etc. as a marketing technique. Are you one who is easily influenced in purchasing the products you sampled?
I shop at a few stores that provides samples like: Costco, Wholefoods, Trader Joes, Sprouts (occasionally has samples) Asian Markets and it's a nice touch. I sometimes find myself easily being lured but most of the time I'll try something new just to try since I am trying to be more open to new foods. How about you? My only pet peeve when it comes to samples is people are in a rush, cut and grab a million and one pieces. If the line is long, I wouldn't or something line coffee I don't drink it.
18 people like this
27 responses
@Poppylicious (11133)
•
30 May 16
The only samples I tend to try are the cheese ones. I love cheese. I go back for more!
3 people like this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
I love cheese too! I sampled some yesterday at Whole Foods - I forgot to jot the name down. I love it, even bought a little.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@Poppylicious That sounds like a delicious combination, but bummer they no longer carry it. I was sadden to hear when they discontinued freshly baked chocolate macarons at Trader Joes (before the macaron hype was around!) $4 for 6 large macarons!
@Poppylicious (11133)
•
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby Just before Christmas my local Tesco had samples of cranberry and fudge cheese. It was DIVINE! I expected them to then sell it, but I must have been the only person who liked it because I've never come across it since. *sigh* ... so frustrating.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@JustBhem Same here. I like to try out samples if it's given, why not! 
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
Me too! Sometimes even seconds if it's really good, hehe. 
Sometimes even seconds if it's really good, hehe. 1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby Haha. When in the Mall if there is free taste I grab the opportunity and if I like the product I go buy it. :)
1 person likes this
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
31 May 16
I find the larger stores here Costco and Zehrs have samples. I love going around and trying new things. Sometimes I will buy the product.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
@ricki_911 I've noticed that too, mostly protein shakes and bars!
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
31 May 16
I like trying new products too! I don't have a Zehrs here but bigger stores tend to offer samples.
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
1 Jun 16
@infatuatedbby Some companies come in and do sampling in the smaller stores as well.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
30 May 16
I a not easily influenced but I do love having a chance to taste something I might be considering buying. Sometimes we just go and enjoy all the snacks lol
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
I am trying to be more open at trying new foods. I agree it's a nice opportunity to try an item we may not be familiar with prior to purchasing or just try because we've never ate the item before.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby I love going into Whole Foods and Stew Leonards where they have lots of samples
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@BelleStarr I just went to Whole Foods today, no samples out I guess I was early. I don't have a Stew Leonards here.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
I don't often try protein bars or shakes because I don't like them or use them. My boyfriend likes to try them out though lol. I find they're chalky.
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@akalinus Good and bad feedback will be beneficial to the company.
1 person likes this
@akalinus (40440)
• United States
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby I told the lady they should not let anyone taste that stuff because they won't buy it. She said that is good for the company to know, also.
1 person likes this
@transcendent (709)
• Xian, China
31 May 16
Sounds good. Usually, sample providing is a good way for both the consumers and shops. But for me, I would never take samples of the commodities that I do not intend to buy. Because I would feel embarrassed if I have taken a sample without buying eventually.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
Here samples are made so you can try it out - you don't have to buy it.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
@transcendent Oh! Here it's open hands. They don't make you buy it nor will anyone feel bad not buying it. Samples are given so you can try a product and maybe like it or not They want you to sample it!
They want you to sample it!1 person likes this
@transcendent (709)
• Xian, China
1 Jun 16
@infatuatedbby I mean I would not feel good if I take a sample without buying eventually, just personally.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85484)
• United States
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby I guess I just like to get in and get out. Grocery stores sometimes stress me out. But next time, I'm going to stop and take a sample. Just because you mentioned it!
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
He-he. None are appealing for you? Or the hassle?
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@AmbiePam Hehe yay! Enjoy yourself at the grocery store.
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
5 Jun 16
I find a lot of new stores are doing samples now even Asian markets, which I was quite surprised!
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
31 May 16
I'm open to new foods but since i hardly do grocery shopping, I never get to try those food samples lol. I don't cook.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72285)
• Philippines
31 May 16
@infatuatedbby I get hem at 7/11 lol
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
31 May 16
I don't cook either haha. But I will go to the market for like regular essentials like milk, juice, eggs, greens for smoothies, some fruit, deli ham sometimes
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
Yes, I don't often always buy food items I sample either.
1 person likes this
@Lucky15 (37346)
• Philippines
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby had.few. like those instant.noodles..lol or choco drink
@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby if I like the sample I buy it but only if the cost is not too dear.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
@HazySue Yes you are correct! I will skip on those but keep it in mind next time it can go on sale!
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
Same here. Most items sampled is reasonably priced though.
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@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby true, but every now and then they try to sneak in an item that is priced sky high and hope you don't notice.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
31 May 16
Have you ever been persuaded to purchase? That's good you are not easily lured in!!
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@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
31 May 16
@infatuatedbby even if i am persuaded, i just say yes and still don't buy haha
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
Me too. Not all items are something I could finish or eat on a daily basis but nice to try out just to know the product.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
31 May 16
When we go to market, we prefer to taste new (food) products, when offered free. However, that does not necessarily mean that we would buy it immediately. We buy it only if it suits our requirements.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
31 May 16
Same here. It's nice to taste new things but not always will it influence my purchase that day. Sometimes though.
@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
31 May 16
I don't have a Wegmans here! But it is nice if they hand out promotional coupons as well.
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
30 May 16
When I was going to Walmart monthly they would have samples sometimes. The store close here does. They usually do it on a certain day. It is a good way to learn about new food products.
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@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
30 May 16
@infatuatedbby ...Yah, not very often.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
I don't often see Walmart with samples, but I have a few times usually for protein shakes, bars. It is nice to learn about new products we don't often purchase!
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
I like to try new products of brands I am familiar with most of the time.
@fishtiger58 (29823)
• Momence, Illinois
31 May 16
I don't usually sample things, I am funny that way. I don't know where that food has been or who has touched it, creeps me out.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
1 Jun 16
I only try it if it's made right in front of me and given they have gloves and what not. Theres some foods I will not test out.
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@infatuatedbby (95001)
• United States
30 May 16
It depends on the product but I like trying new items of brands I am used to purchasing
