If you’ve ever been in a grocery store and found yourself watching someone debate between two identical jars of mayo for ten minutes, you’ve likely witnessed the definitive Boomer shopping experience. A 2023 Oberlo report revealed that 9 out of 10 Boomers aged 57 to 75 still do all their grocery shopping in person, and it’s more than just a trip—it’s an event.
To Gen Z, the supermarket is a quick in-and-out mission: grab what you need, don’t block the oat milk, and go. But for Boomers, who account for just under a quarter of all grocery shoppers, according to Statista, it’s a whole different rhythm—a slow stroll filled with deep coupon contemplation and aisle debates.
Their habits can feel hilariously chaotic to younger shoppers, leaving Gen Z both baffled and highly entertained. Here are 12 Boomer grocery shopping habits that nail the generational gap.
They Treat Grocery Shopping Like a Full-Day Event
Boomers are in no rush. They’ll walk every aisle, whether they need something or not like it’s a museum of food. While Gen Z has a list, a time limit, and one AirPod in.
Boomers typically spend between 45 minutes to an hour per grocery store visit, especially during their weekly routine trips. That’s a little longer than other generations. To Gen Z, that just sounds exhausting.
They Pull Out the Giant Coupon Binder Mid-Aisle
Yes, they really do carry physical coupons—in folders, binders, or even ziplock bags. Based on Capital One Shopping, approximately 70% of U.S. Baby Boomers still use paper coupons, compared to just 46% of Gen Z. The latter prefer digital apps or cashback sites like Ibotta or Rakuten (if they use coupons at all).
Watching a Boomer search through 30 scraps of paper for $0.25 off pasta is equal parts nostalgic and maddening. And honestly, it also slows down traffic in the aisle to a screeching halt.
They Talk to the Cashier Like They’re Old Friends (Even If They’re Not)
Boomers genuinely love a grocery store chat. To them, checkout is an opportunity for a friendly chat, not just a transaction. Gen Z, raised on self-checkout and faceless transactions, often finds this behavior inefficient.
More than half of consumers aged 18 to 44 prefer self-checkout for its convenience, while only 24% of Boomers use it, opting instead to interact with a cashier. It’s not uncommon to see Boomers chat with Susan at register four about their grandson’s soccer game while they check out.
They Block the Entire Aisle for a Price Comparison Moment
They’ll take their time, weighing their options and choosing between brands carefully. While Gen Z breezes through with Apple Pay at the ready, Boomers are contemplating whether the store-brand ketchup has the right flavor.
The average Gen Zer finishes grocery shopping in 26 minutes, while Boomers take approximately 41 minutes. That doesn’t sound like much but try waiting behind someone inspecting crackers for 8 minutes. It adds up—and tests everyone’s patience.
They Refuse to Believe the Scanner Over the Shelf Tag
Boomers will flag down a store associate if the register rings up $3.49 instead of $3.29. Gen Z? They’ll shrug and keep it moving (or skip it entirely).
A 2023 study by First Insight revealed that 71% of Baby Boomers said they wouldn’t purchase anything unless there was a deal, making them the most price-sensitive generation in the U.S.
Gen Z, while being cost-conscious, tends to prioritize convenience and speed. But Boomers’ determination is unmatched.
They Leave Their Cart in the Middle of the Aisle Like It’s a Parked Car
Anecdotal evidence and retail worker forums seem to indicate that aisle-blocking behavior spans all age groups, just in different ways. For instance, a funny anecdote from TwistedSifter shares the story of a shopper who inconsiderately left their cart blocking a grocery aisle, aggravating other shoppers.
In a moment of petty revenge, another shopper relocated the cart several aisles away. This resulted in storewide announcements looking for the misplaced cart and a well-deserved headache for its inconsiderate owner.
That said, some viral stories and Reddit threads suggest that older shoppers, including Baby Boomers, are more likely to park their carts mid-aisle while browsing slowly or chatting with a friend. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried to shimmy past a Boomer’s abandoned cart while they’re off browsing canned soup five feet away.
They Argue Over Expired Coupons
Boomers can be pretty passionate about expired coupons. They’ll make their case with the fervor of a courtroom drama, citing store policies from years ago. Gen Z? Probably didn’t even check the expiration date—or, more likely, never used a physical coupon in the first place.
35% of consumers use digital coupons while shopping in-store, with Gen Z at the forefront of this growing trend. Paper expiration battles? Not really part of their grocery experience.
They Get Distracted by Free Samples—and Make a Meal Out of It
Boomers love a free sample. They’ll linger by the stand, ask for seconds, and sometimes chat with the demo person for a full five minutes. Gen Z? They’ll take a sample, say “thanks,” and keep it moving.
Boomers are more likely to try a new product if it comes with a sample. For Gen Z, it’s all about TikTok reviews and hype. In fact, 85% of Gen Z shoppers say social media influences their purchasing decisions.
They Treat the Self-Checkout as a Full-Service Lane
Let’s be honest—Boomers and self-checkout are still getting to know each other. They’ll fumble with barcodes, ask for help three times, and pay in coins. Meanwhile, Gen Z is halfway home before the Boomer finds the scan tag on the celery.
A 2023 report by PYMNTS notes that over half of Gen Z consumers would choose to shop with retailers that offer self-checkout options. It’s not chaos—it’s just their system.
They Insist on Exact Change or Write a Check
About 65% of Boomers say they still use personal checks. That’s compared to just 21% of Gen Z, as pointed out by FinanceBuzz. Yes, some Boomers still carry checkbooks to the store.
Watching someone write one out in 2025 can feel like seeing a fax machine in the wild. Gen Z, raised on tap-to-pay and mobile wallets, finds this behavior totally baffling. Still, Boomers believe in balancing the books down to the penny.
They Ask for Help from Employees (Even When It’s Clearly Labeled)
Boomers are not afraid to ask where the milk is—even if they’ve shopped there weekly since 1998. Gen Z? They’ll just Google it, scan the aisle numbers, or check the store app.
Gen Z values self-service and independence in stores more than any other group. But Boomers love a personal touch, and honestly, it’s kinda sweet. Unless you’re behind them and late for work.
They Go Grocery Shopping… Just for Fun
For Boomers, a trip to the store can be a social activity, a Saturday routine, or even a relaxing escape. Gen Z? It’s a task, preferably outsourced to Instacart. Gen Z relies on grocery delivery services more frequently than Baby Boomers.
So when younger shoppers see a Boomer wandering with no list and no rush, they’re both confused and low-key jealous of the vibes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Boomers Make Grocery Shopping a Vibe, Not a Task. For Boomers, grocery runs aren’t just errands—they’re part adventure, part therapy session. They stroll, sample, and socialize, while Gen Z just wants to grab oat milk and bounce.
- Paper Coupons, Checks, and Chit-Chat Still Reign Supreme. Boomers love their coupon binders, exact change, and friendly cashier banter. Gen Z? They’re all about apps, tap-to-pay, and getting out before a conversation starts.
- Self-Checkout Is a Generational Battleground. Gen Z zips through with phone in hand, while Boomers approach the machine like it might bite. It’s not chaos—it’s just two very different user manuals.
- The Generational Divide Is Real, But Kind of Endearing. What Gen Z sees as inefficiency, Boomers see as connection and care. Things like asking for help or making a meal of free samples make it clear: Boomers shop slower but with heart.
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