5 Things You Should Know: Is Grocery Store ‘Pineapple Dating’ Real?

1. A New Kind of Meat Market: Grocery Store Dating in Spain

Courtesy of Envato

Are you tired of online dating? In Spain, supermarkets have become the new go-to spot for singles looking to meet someone special. According to The Washington Post, singles in Barcelona have developed a discreet way of signaling their availability by using fruit as a code. It all happens at Mercadona supermarkets around 7 p.m., where singles place a piece of exotic fruit upside down in their baskets and wait for someone with the same to approach them. This unique method, known as ‘pineapple dating,’ has gained popularity on TikTok, with users sharing their experiences. While it’s unclear if this trend will spread beyond Spain, it has certainly caught the attention of many. —Tim Inklebarger

2. Sausage Sales Surge Amid Inflation

Move over, bacon—sausage is making a comeback. As inflation continues to affect grocery prices, consumers are turning to more affordable protein options. A recent survey shows that dinner sausage sales are on the rise, as they provide a cheaper alternative to more expensive meats like beef steak. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sausage is currently $6 cheaper than beef steak, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. Whether it’s links or patties, sausage is quickly becoming a household staple. —Bill Wilson

3. Can a $1,000 Trash Can Solve Food Waste?

Courtesy of Envato

Food waste is a significant issue in the U.S., with households producing nearly 42.8 million tons of it in 2022 alone. Enter the Mill Food Recycler, a high-tech garbage can with a $999 price tag that aims to tackle this problem. According to The Wall Street Journal, this device uses heat and blades to process food waste into a compostable substance overnight. In a survey of 367 Mill users, one-third reported a reduction in household food waste. While it’s a hefty investment, the Mill Food Recycler could be a step in the right direction for those serious about reducing waste. —Chloe Riley

4. Kroger Faces a Challenging Week

It’s been a tough week for grocery giant Kroger. The company’s proposed merger with Albertsons faced scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission, and executives were accused of price-gouging and undermining labor rights. As if that wasn’t enough, Kroger also experienced a major technical malfunction on its website and mobile app, leaving customers unable to access their accounts. Despite their efforts to fix the issue, the outage persisted, adding to the company’s woes. —Tim Inklebarger

5. Trader Joe’s Offers $1,000 for Pumpkin Spice Taste Test

Courtesy of Envato

Pumpkin spice season is here, and Trader Joe’s is embracing it with a unique offer. The grocery chain is willing to pay one lucky individual $1,000 to taste test over 20 pumpkin spice-themed products, including pumpkin waffles, cinnamon rolls, and ginger brew. While some retailers like Sprouts Farmers Market have innovation centers for product testing year-round, Trader Joe’s is making a seasonal splash with this enticing offer. For those willing to indulge in all things pumpkin spice, this could be the perfect fall gig. —Bill Wilson.