Do you ever find yourself standing in the grocery store aisle, debating which brand of peanut butter to buy for what feels like forever? You are not alone. A new study shows that the average American makes about 50 decisions a day, adding up to more than 1.5 million over a lifetime. A surprising number of those decisions happen in the grocery store.
Researchers are now calling it “aisle anxiety,” a form of overthinking brought on by too many choices, unclear labels, and the pressure to make healthy, budget-friendly purchases. Shoppers report feeling stressed when they cannot decide quickly, and many worry about whether their choices reflect their values.
Some people say they avoid trying new products altogether because the decision feels overwhelming. Others rely on social media reviews, brand loyalty, or simply grab whatever is on sale to make the process easier.