Is It A Crime To Snack While You Shop In New York?

We’ve all found ourselves in the mood for a little snack while shopping at your local grocery store, especially if you skipped breakfast or lunch.

While grocery shopping while you’re hungry is never a good idea (that’s how cupcakes end up in your cart when they’re not on your list), what’s the harm of nibbling on something while you shop?

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Is It Illegal To Eat While You Shop In New York State?

Well, the answer is a little complicated. 

You may get some strange looks from fellow shoppers and store employees, but that’s the most of it – because it’s perfectly legal to eat while grocery shopping here in New York. 

However, there is an exception.

READ MORE: 5 Hacks To Save Money At New York Grocery Stores

If you’re snacking on something at the store that's sold at a fixed price (like a bag of chips or cookies) and eventually pay for it, you shouldn’t face any consequences.

But eating food items that are priced by their weight, like bulk nuts, individually wrapped sweets, or produce, is a huge no-no. 

FindLaw.com explains that shoppers are legally obligated to pay for whatever they took from the store. So by snacking on a banana or an apple before you hit the register, you’re technically shoplifting. 

Here in New York State, shoplifting anything under $1,000 could get you charged with Petit larceny, a misdemeanor punishable by fines and up to a year in jail. 

So the next time you find yourself hungry in the grocery store and want something to eat, your safest bet is to pop open that bag of chips. 

Keep in mind that even though places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's encourage sampling, some stores aren’t okay with the practice, and may ask you to stop immediately.