The sneaky reason why supermarkets put fruit and veg at the front of their stores

 There's a big psychological factor behind it - and the tricks always seem to work on us. 

Have you ever pondered the universal layout of supermarkets? Ingenious designers are behind it, subtly enticing you to walk through each aisle and fill your trolley without even realising it. 

Consider this a gentle nudge to bring your shopping list to the supermarket consistently.

Reeves Connelly, who studied architectural design at the Pratt Institute, shared: "The amount of thought that goes into grocery store design, from a psychological and marketing standpoint, is absolutely wild."

According to Reeves, there is a specific reason why fruit and vegetables are often located at the front of the store.

"Grocery stores will place the produce section right at the entrance so you’ll grab the fruits and vegetables first and then hopefully feel less guilty about grabbing junk food later on."

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Eggs and milk are always at the back

Milk and eggs, the staples that households use and run out of most frequently, are rarely at the front of a supermarket.

He explained: "You might have also noticed that essential items like milk and eggs are deliberately placed all the way in the back of the store so that you’re forced to walk through other aisles to get to them,"

"And they make sure to fill the ends of the aisles with a lot of unhealthy options like snacks and sodas to make sure you come across them while on your way to the essential items."

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This is why there are so many tantrums in supermarkets

These sneaky designers aren't just targeting adults' desires; they also want to ensure kids want more — another reason to shop alone. 

"Another way that they get you to spend more money is by arranging the cereal aisle so that the sugary cereals are at a child’s eye level so they’re more likely to grab one while the healthier options are way up top," he continues. 

Don't blame yourself if you can't resist exiting the store without buying something. It's that the checkouts block the exit "to discourage you from leaving without buying anything." 

There's also a reason why you often feel lost in your local supermarket. Shockingly, they move things around. 

RELATED: Real meaning behind stickers found on supermarket fruit

Ryan regrets not bringing his shopping list! Source: TIkTok

It's a maze for a reason

Reeves said: "They are very much aware that these tactics become less effective after you visit the store a few times and get a better sense of where everything is, so they'll regularly move the products to different aisles to disorient you."

At least you can be reassured you're not losing your mind. 

With more than half a million likes, the clip left many scratching their heads about their previous supermarket visits and others having a light bulb moment about why their grocery bill was so high. 

RELATED: I found a simple way to get free groceries

Sugary cereals are lower down for kids to see them. Source: TikTok

The sneaky tricks work on shoppers

"Their little tricks always work on me,” one person confesses. 

"ALWAYS. I walk in to get 3 things and end up spending $300," a shopper cries. 

Another added: "Crazy how some people are paid to make people poorer and unhealthier."

"This is why I hate grocery shopping. I have to go through a maze just to get eggs and milk 😭," admitted a regular shopper. 

The tricks even work on the employees: "I work at a grocery store, and it's true I have to awkwardly walk through the cash register at the end of my shift."

While others were proud to admit they had never fallen into the trap. 

"That's why I keep a list with prices ON ME," one shopper shares. 

"Another reason I have my groceries delivered now," another insisted.

Finally, this savvy shopper shares, "That’s why I don’t grab a cart. If I can’t carry it, then I’m not buying it."

Repeat the mantra: 'Never go to the supermarket hungry or without a shopping list'. 

Originally published as The sneaky reason why supermarkets put fruit and veg at the front of their stores