The “Shopping Cart Theory” Is Often Used as a Character Test — Should It Be?

You may not think too much about your habits at the grocery store. But there’s likely one small decision you make there every week that has sparked a lot of conversation on the internet: What do you do with your cart when you have finished loading the groceries? According to the “shopping cart theory,” your answer might reveal more than you’d expect.

Though the shopping cart theory isn’t exactly rooted in scientific research, whether or not you return your cart at the grocery store when no one is watching has become a litmus test on your character — at least, according to some people on social media.

The shopping cart theory implies that if you return your cart, you’re a good samaritan and you do the “right thing” even when no one is watching. But if you don’t return the cart, you may not be the best person ever. And while it may sound extreme, some argue it’s a version of the burnt toast theory, where seemingly insignificant actions can actually make a difference.

Sure, it’s just a cart at the end of the day, but in a world where small choices can feel like a reflection of bigger values — hello, butterfly effect — the shopping cart theory can mean more to some people than to others. Below, experts share more on the topic.

Experts Featured in This Article

Jay Serle, PhD, LMFT, is a clinical psychologist.

Shebna N Osanmoh I is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.

What Is the Shopping Cart Theory?

“The shopping cart theory is a theory popularized by social media that suggests that a person’s character can be evaluated by whether or not they return a shopping cart,” clinical psychologist Jay Serle, PhD, LMFT, says. “Returning a shopping cart is seen as something that betters the community.”

Psychiatrist nurse practitioner Shebna Osanmoh I adds that many people look at whether or not you return the shopping cart as something deeper. “It is somehow believed that such a simple action would imply a person’s responsibility, respect for others, and character in general,” he says. However, it may not be that deep.

Is the Shopping Cart Theory a Good Indication of Character?

According to Osanmoh I, the shopping cart theory is a bit extreme. “It most definitely does not serve as a core character barometer,” he says. Dr. Serle adds that even a person with “serious moral shortcomings” could still return their shopping cart.

For this reason, Dr. Serle thinks it’s impossible to judge someone’s moral character just by one behavior. “You really need to talk to the person and get to know them,” he adds.

Plus, it’s better to not place judgement on someone when you don’t know why they aren’t returning the shopping cart in the first place. “The theory is quite ableist,” Dr. Serle says. “A person may not return their shopping cart because of a disability. Also, parents may have small children in the car and not be able to return the cart.”

If you want a better way to measure someone’s character, Osanmoh I suggests looking at how someone treats others. “Are they kind and compassionate and respectful to all people?” he asks. Look at someone’s work habits, integrity, accountability, and humor, too. “Judging one’s character, often based on just one thing he or she did, is subject to personal taste rather than a valid measure,” he adds.

So, ultimately, while the shopping cart theory may be a fun little social experiment to talk about with your friends at happy hour, at the end of the day, it isn’t going to entirely reveal someone’s character.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.