Let’s be honest—most of us have seen some pretty odd things while doing the weekly shop.

Maybe it’s a lone sock in the freezer section, or a half-eaten chocolate bar behind the Weet-Bix.

But every now and then, a story comes along that makes you wonder: 'What on earth is going on in our supermarkets?'


Recently, supermarket staff and shoppers alike have been sharing tales of the most bizarre—and, frankly, grubby—behaviour they’ve witnessed in the aisles of Coles and Woolies.

And if you’re guilty of any of these, you might just be an official 'grub' in the eyes of your fellow Aussies!


Let’s start with a tale that’s equal parts shocking and, dare we say, impressive. At a Coles in Southland, Victoria, a staff member stumbled upon a bag in the tissue aisle.

But instead of a plump, juicy roast chook, all that remained was a sad pile of bones—the evidence of a customer who had devoured an entire rotisserie chicken right there in the store, then stashed the remains and walked away.

Social media had a field day with this one. Some were in stitches at the sheer audacity: 'Gotta commend them for not only their commitment but discretion. I mean, how does one eat an ENTIRE chicken without getting caught?'


Others speculated about the logistics—was it a tactical move to eat in the tissue aisle, where fewer people might notice? Or perhaps the work of a hungry gym-goer in desperate need of protein?

This isn’t the first time supermarket snacking has sparked debate. Many of us have nibbled a grape or two while picking out produce (though technically, that’s not on either!).

But eating an entire meal—let alone a whole chicken—takes things to a new level.

Some commenters were quick to call out this 'grub behaviour,' while others showed a bit more empathy.

'If it was a homeless or hungry poor person, I’m glad they ate it,' one person wrote.

Another added, 'In this economy, I can kinda respect it.' It’s a reminder that sometimes, what looks like bad manners might be a sign of someone doing it tough.

The chicken incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Supermarket workers have seen it all: open chip packets left half-eaten on the shelves, used nappies (yes, really!), and even the occasional 'surprise' in a vase.

One Woolies worker in Coffs Harbour found a half-eaten kebab hidden among the groceries, while another discovered a corn relish dip shoved into a box of Chicken Crimpy Shapes.

And who could forget the infamous Pick and Mix section? From pigeons helping themselves to the lollies, to shoppers brazenly grabbing a handful for the road, it seems no snack is safe.

It’s easy to laugh (or groan) at these stories, but they do raise some interesting questions.

Is it a sign of the times—people feeling the pinch and resorting to desperate measures? Or is it just a lack of respect for the staff and fellow shoppers who have to clean up the mess?

Whatever the reason, it’s a good reminder to treat our supermarkets—and the people who work there—courteously.

After all, nobody wants to reach for a box of tissues and find a pile of chicken bones instead!

If you’re ever tempted to sneak a snack or leave your rubbish behind, remember: someone has to clean up after you.

And with security cameras everywhere, you’re probably not as sneaky as you think! Most supermarkets have clear policies about eating before you pay, and it’s always best to ask if you’re unsure.

And if you see someone doing it tough, maybe there’s a kinder way to help—like buying them a meal or pointing them towards local support services.
Have you ever witnessed 'grub behaviour' at your local supermarket? Or maybe you’ve got a funny story of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below.

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