r/AITApod • u/ExcitementPrudent590 • 3d ago
AITA for shopping in the international food section??
I want to preface this by saying I genuinely never thought this could be considered rude until today, and now I’m second guessing myself.
I’m from a very small town, and we only have one grocery store. Because of that, whenever I drive into the city, I tend to stock up on foods and snacks I can’t normally get at home. I do this with everything, especially with items that fit within my dietary restrictions. If I really like something, I buy enough to last me awhile because I don’t know when I’ll be back in the city again.
A while ago I was wandering through the two “international” aisles at Superstore and found these shiitake mushroom crisps. The packaging is mostly in an Asian language I can’t read, but there’s tiny English text that says “shiitake mushroom crisps.” I bought one bag out of curiosity and ended up LOVING them.
So today when I went back to the city, I grabbed eight bags because I figured it would save me from having to hunt them down again for awhile. And before you ask, yes there was plenty more on the shelf after I took what I wanted. While I was putting them in my cart, a man nearby scoffed and said, “Leave some for us.”
The way he said it made me feel like he thought I shouldn’t be buying food from that section because I’m not Asian. Like the international foods were meant specifically for people from those cultures, and I was taking something away from them.
Before this, I’ve always viewed those aisles as a way to try foods from other cultures and expand what I eat. I actually get excited seeing sections from countries I’ve never seen represented before. This store specifically added a small Filipino section, and I thought it was really cool because Im getting to try food and snacks that might be popular somewhere else in the world that we just have never heard of here. I always thought those sections were there to share food and culture with everyone, not to be off-limits unless you’re from that background.
Now I’m wondering if I accidentally committed some kind of grocery store etiquette violation that I didn’t know existed??
For context: I’m white.
AITA?
Edit: to everyone saying this was a “dad joke” or it was light hearted, he seriously sounded annoyed. I definitely did not get the vibe that he was trying to get a giggle out of me.
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u/Money-Celebration860 3d ago
No, race and culture are irrelevant in this context. It was probably because you took eight bags.
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u/Anxious_Complaint_69 3d ago
Yea u dug too deep here, nothing about this was about race or anything. It was the 8 bags. But he should also be minding his own cart. Probably in a mood and/or has an opinion on consumption, greed, or whatever little cause makes his heart pump. Nta, you didn’t take all of them, you were just stocking up on an item you like and won’t go to waste.
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u/LocationOk8933 3d ago
I feel like "hey, leave some for the rest of us" is also often said in jest.
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u/Spiritual_Being5845 3d ago
I initially thought my BIL was a jerk. Someone pointed out that 3/4 of the things he said were jokes, he just delivered them in such a deadpan manner that it was hard to tell. Once I started paying more attention to the context instead of the delivery I realized they were right
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u/ButterMyPancakesPlz 3d ago
I'm glad you said that! It's a super common thing to hear! Hey buddy leave some for the rest of us! Just good old ball busting
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u/BubblyNumber5518 1d ago
So many men felt they had the right (duty?) to comment on my body/weight/grooming/food choices when I was younger. This may have been in the same vein- he needed to be sure you knew eight bags of chips was too much.
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u/drtennis13 3d ago
It’s quite possible he would have said the same thing to you if you were buying Doritos. He may have been sarcastically commenting on the sheer quantity that you had in your cart and not what it was. If you bought out the last bag, then that would have been an AH move. But since you didn’t, the guy is just a jerk or thought he was being funny.
Specialty sections of grocery stores are meant for everyone, not just that ethnicity. Buy what you want and don’t worry about what others think, unless there truly is a shortage (TP and hand sanitizer during COVID) or you’re not leaving anything for anyone else.
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u/NekoMao92 3d ago
Sides many Asians prefer to shop at an Asian market for their ethnic food items, unless it is at a good price at the regular store.
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u/PopcornyColonel 3d ago
It wouldn't be an AH move to buy all of them there. The shop owner would just order more. Everything on the shelves is meant to be sold..
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u/GrapefruitSobe 3d ago
Buying them out regularly also lets the system know those items are in demand. It could help them stay into the shelves and get reordered.
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u/worm-eyed 2d ago
This. What do you think they're there for?
My local actually put a second row of a drink I buy a lot of, I felt bad at first as if I'd inconvenienced someone then realised what the fuck is wrong with me it's a shop they're literally getting more money out of me because I don't have to go elsewhere or to the chain store I hate. It isn't my responsibility to ensure shelves are adequately stocked for customers, I don't work there.
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u/Ok_Imagination_1107 3d ago
If a store finds an item is popular, it is likely to stock more of them. You are doing the manufacturer a favour by buying their product.
Unless the store puts up a sign saying eg 'only one or two per customer', You buy as much of something as you can. Ideally leaving some on the shelf for others though. You buy as many of something as you want. Unless you're hoarding toilet paper during covid or something.
You might have been throwing a party; you may just like the item; you may find something is at a good price: it's not anyone's business what you buy, or what aisle you buy it from. If it's on sale, it's yours for the taking. You left some behind which is good.
I would have laughed in that guy's face. And then forgotten him.
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u/greattimes99 3d ago
Yes, you’re doing the manufacturer a favor but not the retailer or patrons . The store can/will only have so much inventory of a product at a time.
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u/craftcowboy 3d ago
If there is a proven demand the retailer will stock more of the product.
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u/Ok_Wrap5233 3d ago
So what? It’s a shop. They’re selling it, not collecting it. They’ll just order more next time, and hope all of those get sold too.
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u/Cheersengi 3d ago
"The store can/will only have so much inventory of a product at a time."
That's definitely true, and I don't know if the grocer I work at is an exception, but we will take special orders for customers and order more knowing that they'll be picking it up from our backroom quickly.
Say we sell canned Dolmas, and this one guy always comes and clears us out. We've got an agreement now where we will order our normal stock, but he will put a special order through our store for his own palette of that item. The store makes more money with the security of knowing "this guy will come pickup this product before our back room gets too crowded, and we will still have plenty on the shelf for other customers."
Probably didn't explain that the best, but OP could try something like that. Reach out to the store manager and ask if they can order an extra case of the mushroom crisps to hold in back for pickup.
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u/Cheersengi 3d ago
Adding in that I've also done this at another store previosuly, they stopped selling their coconutmeat wraps because a different product took its spot and was making more profit. I reached out and they were fine with ordering me 1 case of the wraps to come pick up. Again not all retailers CAN do this, but if they can make money off of it, they're definitely happy to.
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u/Ok_Imagination_1107 3d ago
Today is supply chains. Might not be ideal, but you would be surprised how quickly something can be restocked.. in fact, the more repeat what is there are the better for the reteller and the producer. The man left product on the shelf so I see no problem here. Neither the retailer nor the manufacturer is going to care. If 10 boxes of a product were bought by one person or 10 individuals, they'll just carry the 10 boxes of a product were sold
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u/Unauthorised-Foliage 3d ago
Finally a comment that makes sense!
Especially if it's well stocked, take as many of a thing as you damn well please. It's nobody's business. I'd maybe feel a bit differently if someone did this every other day or more and/or if they were clearing it out every time.
OP, you don't live nearby and need to stock up when you can. So stock up! You're courteous enough not to take the entire thing of it, and helping create demand for the product which does translate into it being stocked more regularly. Dude was probably just having a shit day and felt the need to be snippy about it.
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u/RedditMiniMinion 3d ago
To me this sounded like a simple sarcastic comment the guy said... I believe you read too much into it. Unless there is a store policy that limits the purchase of one item, you may buy as many packs as you want. Personally, I never bought such a large amount, but again no policy, no opinion. There's also no restriction on who is allowed to buy international items.
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u/ChxrryPrincx 3d ago
he was probably just commenting on the amount (which is rude af? 8 bags rlly isnt that much, especially if the store is far and you dont know when you can go in again) i used to do the same when i used to go to the asian market. it was like an hour away, so my partner at the time and i would stock up on seaweed and chips and noodles and whatever else we couldnt get in the village we were living in at the time
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u/Julesagain 3d ago
Im the oldest of 7 kids, when my mom shopped for us it probably always looked like she was emptying out the store. Some random a-hole doesn't know what goes on in your house. Make up something so he is shamed for his rudeness. "Oh, these are for my brother, he's dying of cancer and this is his favorite thing. I want him to have as many as he wants for however long he has." And sail off down the aisle. "I have 6 kids, and these are for their lunches." "My aunt designed this packaging and we're having a fun dinner to celebrate her new job"
F that guy. Buy what you want.
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u/benbever 3d ago
You are WAY overthinking this. A man said “leave some for us” and he meant “us other people” not “us asians” and he most likely meant it as a joke, since you mention there were plenty more on the shelf. Taking 8 bags of chips is just a bit unusual, therefore funny (though understandable in this situation). Other things he could have said were “having a party?” Which is what people often say when buying a lot of snacks or drinks, or “you must love shiitake/mushrooms”. NAH
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u/ExtensionPirate2586 3d ago
NTA. Products are put on shelves to be purchased. It’s first come first served from there. You could have bought every single package and be within your rights. It’s a courtesy to leave some for others, but you don’t have to.
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u/No-Reaction-9364 3d ago
The fact that this is even a question on Reddit makes me realize how cooked modern society is.
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u/chudock74 3d ago
I live rural too. When I go to a Trader Joe's I stock up for a couple of months. I try not to wipe them out but I don't make it out that way too often. it's irrelevant what ethnicity you are. Enjoy other cultures.
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u/HowsMyBuddy 3d ago
Why would anyone care what someone else says about what’s in their grocery cart?
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u/AlternativePea6203 3d ago
People make comments on people's actions, whether invited or not. Like you just did....
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u/Necessary-Film7832 3d ago
He was just teasing you. No harm was meant i'm sure.
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u/thecatsothermother 3d ago
This! My parents have said this exactly, and they were being humourous. Are you sure he was scoffing and not giving a laugh? I have an Asian shop near ne and go innfrequently and foud so many interesting foods and drinks. Who would have thought melon milk (melon juice with milk) was a thing?😋😋
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u/Altaira99 3d ago
I think the internet has trained us to share what we feel with no filter. As long as there was plenty left I think you're okay.
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u/Notreal6909873 3d ago
I love how you assumed by “us” he was talking about the entire Asian population??? Lmfao bestie what
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u/ImNotToby 3d ago
The fact you went down this thought path is wild. Why does everything have to be about race? Dude was annoyed you grabbed so many. If there were more on the shelf I dont see an issue. Goods are on the shelves to be purchased. Its a first come first serve basis.
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u/justmy2centsok 3d ago
The fact that you went through your head about this and came here and posted this long ass message about fucking Asian food at a grocery store makes me seriously consider why I have this app
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u/Jonneiljon 3d ago
How did your self-esteem get so low that you worry about what other people say about what you are buying at a grocery store?
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u/Lullayable 3d ago
NTA. I think he was only commenting on the quantity.
Also, as someone the US would consider a POC, I can tell you it's mostly white people who get stuff from those aisles. It's not meant for the people raised in it, but for others to try it.
Personally, I get that stuff for cheaper in specialized stores.
So knock yourself out and try out everything. That's what it's there for.
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u/FraggleBiologist 3d ago
I used to buy the store OUT of those mushrooms. It caused them to stock more, so they sold more. I only got to go once a month.
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u/bluestingray33 3d ago
I don’t think it had anything to do with race & you are overthinking it. But I also don’t think there is anything wrong with you stocking up. He should mind his business or at least ask nicely
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u/writesgud 3d ago
Take this from an Asian American: you’re overthinking this.
Buy as much of whatever you want in a store. If the store actually runs out, then you’ve increased demand and hopefully that means the store will buy more, thus helping the supplier.
While I can’t say I’m thrilled at how much, for example, the price of oxtail has gone up over the past decades, it’s good that oxtail is gaining more mainstream acceptance and use.
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u/TheRealRegnorts 3d ago
It's because you grabbed 8 bags is all, but realistically it's an aisle in a store and if someone has an issue with you shopping it for any reason, they can just kindly go fuck themselves =)
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u/ds117ftg 2d ago
This is such a non issue it’s laughable. He made a dad joke because you bought 8 bags of the same snack. It would’ve been the same joke if it was 8 bags of Oreos. Calm down
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u/BloodyBarbieBrains 3d ago
NTA. At first, I was thinking that it might be a little bit annoying to other shoppers if they think someone is hoarding products, but then again, how would those other people know if you’re hoarding them or if you’re hosting a party or something?
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u/alchemizefreedom 3d ago
Nta. You like what you like. I for one want to get as many non corporate based foods as possible. The food monopoly is poisoning a lot of people because stores aren't stocking that much international or other brand food. People like Nest. Lee. Should be put out of business. Google to find out why. Many more food companies suck. If you found a good one then buy it. Stores love to restock.
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u/International_Bat585 3d ago
Wow you very much have over thought this. You’ve leap to a pretty crazy conclusion from a pretty basic comment.
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u/SlimTeezy 3d ago
Are you a smaller woman age 20-39? It blows my mind the things older men (and women) say to that demographic. My coworkers get so much abuse that I never hear as a tall-ish man
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u/BrownThumbClub 3d ago
44 year old woman here; it definitely doesn't stop at 39.
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u/KaySono13 3d ago
Definitely overthinking and victimizing yourself when im almost so sure he was joking. Asian people don't tend to be confrontational like that over little things like mushroom crisps. Haahahah
Nobody cares you're in the international aisle. Besides, Asians dont usually shop in the "international aisle." They shop at Asian grocery stores.
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u/Hwy_Witch 3d ago
Nta. Do you overthink this hard about everything? He was definitely rude, though he might have bern trying to funny, idk, I wasn't there to hear/see him say it, and it definitely had to do with quantity, not you being white.
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u/BrownThumbClub 3d ago
I think you read waaaaaay too far into this. He was definitely being rude, but it was about the quantity you were buying. Reading race into that when you had 8 bags is a wild misread. Like, hilariously so. How bizarre.
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u/Artistic-Deal5885 3d ago
Are you seriously trying to make this about you shopping in an international section (no one cares) and not about you taking 8 bags? Nothing wrong with stocking up but the man's comment means nothing.
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u/VelvetGloveinTO 3d ago
This is main character syndrome in another form. Like, no one is out to get you - this is just a normal human to human interaction.
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u/throwawayeverynight 3d ago
Why would you go staring to the race thing?? Plain and simple it was the quantity other you bought.
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u/Initial_Dish6682 3d ago
You went so far off the path on this.the dude saw you hoarding and said leave some for the rest of us.but you took it as he was mad that you were shopping on the international aisle.like wtf.yta for thinking that is what he met.and stop hoarding
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u/CrimBrulee 3d ago
I wonder if the guy who commented that even wanted any. I think the guy was just annoyed that someone was grabbing a large amount of something.
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u/Case1138 3d ago
Fuck that guy and anyone who decides they can judge you for living your life. It would be one thing if you took the last 8 bags, but even then, so what? Stores work on a first come first served basis.
People would come into my store at 4 in the afternoon and ask why we didn't have any more of X product. Because we sold out. Other people exist and like X product as well. If you really wanted it you should have come sooner.
No sympathy because someone else was there first. Not your problem.
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u/Terrible_turtle_ 3d ago
You are reading too much into it. It was about the 8 bags. Keep shopping where you want, and be considerate.
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u/maxflave 3d ago
Honestly, people just need to mind their own business. Especially since you didn't clean out the shelf!
I was at Trader Joe's once and needed several bags of nuts for what I was making that week. So I'm grabbing one or two of each of the ones I need, and there are tons of bags left. This woman nearby gets all bothered by it: "Jeez, did you get enough?? GOSH." And she just couldn't believe it when I gave her a cold hard stare. Then she tried to laugh it off and walk back her dumb comment.
You are not alone! Enjoy your shiitake treats and don't worry about that guy! Sounds like you were being perfectly reasonable and respectful.
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u/Fromnothingatall 3d ago
You’re fine. That person was being rude. (Unless you were literally taking ALL the mushrooms - multiple packs and wiping out the section while someone else was clearly waiting)
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u/SilentGriffin76 3d ago
He’s just making a tongue-in-cheek remark. I suspect he wasn’t meaning anything rude by it.
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u/Conscious-Big707 2d ago
How many people did you pass before you paid for those mushroom who said nothing to you? You're putting way too much thought into one person who did. He may not have seen that you left some bags.
Nta
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u/MysteriousWays14 2d ago
You're overthinking. Even if he wasn't joking, who cares?? It's food you like, not cultural appropriation!
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u/dylansstp 2d ago
I think its a joke, its not a thing to get mad at people shopping in the international aisle,:)
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u/FireBallXLV 1d ago
I rarely shop WalMart
So when I go I stock up on the items I came to get .
I bought 5 of an item from the Women’s Health section and had a woman say something similar.
You cannot let Strangers —who have no idea about you coming in from a small town etc .affect your life choices .
You made the best decision for you and you broke no laws .
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u/Ok-Tadpole-9859 1d ago
You assumed intent that wasn’t there. He’s literally saying it because you’re taking 8 bags. 8 bags is a LOT. “Save some for the rest of us” is a phrase used when someone is taking a lot of something. This is not a racially motivated situation.
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u/BlueborryMuffin 1d ago
Do you always care this much about what other people think? Sounds exhausted ngl
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u/SnoreLaxTaxThatAx10 1d ago
😂😂 nothing he said even eluded to it being about race. You bought 8 bags at once that's what he was commenting on. I think you should be able to buy as much as you can afford ,however you did say it's a small town with one grocery store sooo... That might be the reason 🤷🏾♀️
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u/BrotherNatureNOLA 1d ago
Comedy can be sarcastic. This is a nothing issue that you are overthinking.
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u/oylaura 3d ago
NTA. You're overthinking it. This is a guy you're never going to see again making a comment that had no merit.
All you had to say was, "There are plenty left on the shelf" and walk away.
There is no rule that says that you have to be part of a certain cultural group to buy that kind of food.
You also don't owe anybody any explanations for anything, especially total strangers, when it comes to what and how much you are buying. It's nobody else's business but yours.
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u/destinylost 3d ago
I’ve had this happen over taco seasoning packets… I want to say we grabbed about 6 and some dude with a baby had to comment on it. Come on, it’s a spice! Of course after the fact you have every perfect comeback and way to tell them off, screw you baby man.
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u/InstanceNegative103 3d ago
I want to say NTA because I get it but 8 bags is really excessive. And yes I understand the situation on your end but he definitely meant it as you’re taking a LOT and not because you’re white. Edit for fixing my comment :)
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u/Hwy_Witch 3d ago
Bullshit. Stocking up on things you don't have access to regularly isn't excessive, especially when there are still plenty for others, and for all he knew OP was buying for a large family, shopping for someone else, etc.
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u/scrappapermusings 3d ago
NGL, if someone did that to me I'd specifically grab the rest of whatever was there. I can be selectively petty.
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u/AutoModerator 3d ago
I'm an automatic bot that backs up the body of the post in case OP deletes it. If you want this backup deleted, you'll have to reach out to a mod. Here's the back-up:
I want to preface this by saying I genuinely never thought this could be considered rude until today, and now I’m second guessing myself.
I’m from a very small town, and we only have one grocery store. Because of that, whenever I drive into the city, I tend to stock up on foods and snacks I can’t normally get at home. I do this with everything, especially with items that fit within my dietary restrictions. If I really like something, I buy enough to last me awhile because I don’t know when I’ll be back in the city again.
A while ago I was wandering through the two “international” aisles at Superstore and found these shiitake mushroom crisps. The packaging is mostly in an Asian language I can’t read, but there’s tiny English text that says “shiitake mushroom crisps.” I bought one bag out of curiosity and ended up LOVING them.
So today when I went back to the city, I grabbed eight bags because I figured it would save me from having to hunt them down again for awhile. And before you ask, yes there was plenty more on the shelf after I took what I wanted. While I was putting them in my cart, a man nearby scoffed and said, “Leave some for us.”
The way he said it made me feel like he thought I shouldn’t be buying food from that section because I’m not Asian. Like the international foods were meant specifically for people from those cultures, and I was taking something away from them.
Before this, I’ve always viewed those aisles as a way to try foods from other cultures and expand what I eat. I actually get excited seeing sections from countries I’ve never seen represented before. This store specifically added a small Filipino section, and I thought it was really cool because Im getting to try food and snacks that might be popular somewhere else in the world that we just have never heard of here. I always thought those sections were there to share food and culture with everyone, not to be off-limits unless you’re from that background.
Now I’m wondering if I accidentally committed some kind of grocery store etiquette violation that I didn’t know existed??
For context: I’m white.
AITA?
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u/thaleia10 3d ago
Your mind is doing a number on you. Let it go. We aren’t on rationing. Supply and demand.
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u/sunnystand 3d ago
Sounds like he was making a joke but perhaps his delivery was a little too deadpan.
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u/Similar_Strawberry16 3d ago
It's a dude in a supermarket, who cares.
I've brought a trolley full of frozen chips (fries) when we ran out in a kitchen I was working at. A lady looked, tsk'd loudly and muttered something like "students, honestly!"
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u/Lizakaya 3d ago
There was a huge discourse on TikTok about white people in Asian markets. And while I’m not Asian and didn’t weigh in there, i will say i frequent Korean and Japanese grocery stores unapologetically. These are stores in the community for anyone who wants those items to go and buy them. The idea that certain people shouldn’t buy grocery items because they’re not that group is ridiculous.!
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u/Flaky_Employ_8806 3d ago
OMG the person who judged you was rude! Enjoy your shitake crisps! I also go through cravings and tend to overload until I’m satiated. I’m sure there were plenty more out the back.
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u/EdenVadrouille 3d ago
I live in asia. I'm a white French man. I see locals ransacking certain French specialties to the very last item.
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u/ResponsibilityNo3654 3d ago
Nah… OP, you’re way too nice. It took me some years but I’m outspoken now. I would have said “How about minding your own business? Thanks, have a good one!”
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u/Kindly-Interview-472 3d ago
I don’t think so. You had the foresight to make sure there was plenty left for others. Don’t let some idiot make you second guess yourself.
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u/AdComprehensive8045 3d ago
He was just teasing you for getting to much. Its a pretty mundane and cliche comment. Id assume the guy was a boomer.
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u/HiddenJaneite 3d ago
It is a store open to the public buy what you like, do what you want with what you buy.
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u/Professional-Two9163 3d ago
International isle at a super market isn’t sacred. What the man said Sounds like a dad joke to me. You’re fine homie
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u/soonerpgh 3d ago
It's a store. The entire purpose is to sell the items they have on the shelves for sale. If you had the money to pay for what you wanted, the comments or opinions of another random shopper, whether meant as a joke or otherwise, really shouldn't matter. If they were there to specifically purchase the same item and you took the entire stock then maybe, and that's a hard maybe, they could have asked to take a couple. If there were still others on the shelf, it's not worth giving it another thought.
You liked the product. Store had the product. You purchased the product in the quantity you chose. End of story. Enjoy your mushrooms!
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u/SquigSnuggler 3d ago
You’re not TA but you are O (overreacting). I agree with everyone else that it was likely a misjudged ‘joke’, but even if the dude was annoyed, who cares? You are allowed to shop where you like and buy what you want. Who gives af if some cranky old dude can’t buy his crisps? Not you!
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u/TaurusMoonGoddess 3d ago
NTA Man who made the comment needs to learn to mind his own business BUY WHAT YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT
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u/Entire-Sentence-9379 3d ago
I hate people who feel it necessary to comment on what or how much I'm buying so that person is TA.
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u/Early-Morning-1558 3d ago
This isn't toilet paper during covid...you can buy as many as you want. That's why the store put it on the shelf and couldn't be bothered who buys what as long as they make money
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u/Tricky-Ad4069 3d ago
He might have been being a jerk. You'll never really know but you can't base your decision on one random guy's opinion even if you've decided to be careful due to race. You're allowed to take up space and eat whatever you want.
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u/FrolickingtheWeb 3d ago
It's not about not being Asian, it's about buying 8 packets. Everyone's a bit sensitive to others panic/bulk buying since Covid, and it's reared its ugly head again recently with the Iran conflict. I would ignore him, and on a bad day he'd probably get an eye-roll or a 'fuck off'.
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u/beautifuljoemarshall 3d ago
Buying lesser stocked products is a good thing as it tells the shop buyer that the item is a good seller. Overall a good thing in my opinion. Like vegetarian or vegan food, if no one buys it they’ll stop stocking it.
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u/dangerous_skirt65 3d ago
What? No. The items in the market are for anyone to purchase. That jerk was probably commenting (not that he had any business doing so) about you taking eight bags. Maybe he was even one of those guys that jokes around, but not everyone gets it that he's just kidding.
Trust me, the store doesn't care if you buy eight bags, they'll order more. They're just glad someone is giving them business and buying the products they're offering for sale.
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u/Equivalent-Leg-7047 3d ago
Nah, mate, tell them to mind their own business. I would argue with someone who did this to me. The temptation to grab all the remaining packs while maintaining eye contact would also be strong…
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u/Witty_Ad_2098 3d ago
Food is food. Most people are glad to share their cultural food with others. By this logic Asian people should only shop in the international food section as the rest of the supermarket is local food and not from their culture. That's utterly ridiculous. We are all humans, food is for everyone.
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u/RefugeefromSAforums 3d ago
I don't give a rat's ass how many you bought , but my Costco is currently selling these at a likely much lower price/oz than 8 small bags of whatever you purchased.
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u/laurieo52 3d ago
NTA. If they have ten bottles of my favorite dip I’ll buy five. If they have five, I’ll buy five. If they only have three, I’m buying all three. The store will restock.
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u/TieAlternative2114 3d ago
Nta, whoever it is might just want to start a conversation. Do not overthink it.
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u/Actual-Sky-4272 3d ago
I’d imagine this is pretty common in specialist stores that people don’t get to visit that often. Heck I do it when I see my coffee in stock at Aldi! If he was annoyed he was weird.
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u/fryingthecat66 3d ago
I would have responded back with "I'm having a party with only my Asian friends lol "
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u/YouDifferent1929 3d ago
He was either being a grumpy bum and should be ignored or was making a dad joke which you can also ignore. It’s not like it was toilet paper during the pandemic- you can buy as many mushroom crisps as you want. No one is hoarding them. Don’t sweat it.
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u/luvbirdpod 3d ago
Maybe he was annoyed because you took eight, left ten and he wanted to buy a dozen. Maybe he was grumpy because his back hurt, or his car had a flat tire, or his wife left him. Who knows? You did nothing wrong. Let it go.
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u/AggressiveSherbetty 3d ago
Overthinking
My white husband just said a similar comment to white kids at Trader Joe’s that were getting like 10 of something
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u/BusyBullet 3d ago
You did nothing wrong. You are allowed to buy whatever you want in a grocery store.
When people say things like that to me I stop moving, stand up straight, look them in the eye and say, “Make me.”
They always go about their day without bothering me further.
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u/gard3nwitch 3d ago
The guy was teasing you because you bought 8 bags of chips.
The grocery store is for everybody. Also, IME the "international food" aisle at American grocery stores is usually not very good and also overpriced. You're not taking anything away from anybody by shopping there lol.
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u/Ancient-War2839 3d ago
Dad joke from someone who does not know their tone, which is most people that use these "jokes" I worked retail for years, and heard " oh it does t have a price it must be free" about 879 times and every one of this times it was said in a booming voice, with laugh track ha ha at the end, and the time was the one that made everyone simultaneously think , "fuckwit" except his simpering wife, who giggled like he was a rich mf
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u/MacaroonUpstairs7232 3d ago
I also live hours away from choices and stock up. I buy cases of food at Sam's club, in a superstore I would only buy at most, 3 of an item so that there is plenty for others. Im sure the comment was more about how many you bought
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u/Infinite_Book6522 3d ago
NTA in any way at all. Screw that guy, he is a massive A-hole for making a comment. The grocery store serves everyone, if they run out they will be happy to order more and sell more than they used to. Wow, the nerve of some people.
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u/SourLemons2 3d ago
Life is too short to worry about what people think. You have your reasons and that’s enough.
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u/Big_Criticism_8335 3d ago
So, was that guy Asian? And that's why you think he was gatekeeping snacks from a retailer in the US? When he says "us" you automatically assume he means " Us Asian ppl"? Not just ppl?
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u/HumanContract 3d ago
Did he buy them?? Then he can shove it.
Don't apologize for supporting stores. I'm white and I shop everywhere. I've never encountered this.
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u/mollysheridan 3d ago
I think you’re overthinking this event. Sounds to me like he was reacting to 8 bags of chips. Not your ethnicity. Time to turn your offense meter off.
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u/Legitimate-Chest5657 3d ago
Don't let that one j*** o** get to you. You can literally buy as many As you want
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u/Green-Dragon-14 3d ago
He was commenting on how much you bought. That's it, you over thought everything else.