12 Grocery Items You Keep Buying but Don't Actually Need

Ever find yourself tossing the same items into your grocery cart, week after week, only to wonder why you even bought them? Let's talk about 12 grocery items that often make it into our carts but aren't really essential. From beef jerky to sparkling water, we'll break down why these items are easy to buy but not always the best choice for our kitchens or wallets.

1. Beef Jerky

Americans love their jerky, and who doesn't? Vegans and vegetarians aside, anyone who likes hiking or driving long distances needs their jerky. However, this stuff is not cheap if you consume a lot. One poster shares that he buys it "only when it is on sale and there is a coupon on the bag."

2. Animal Crackers

Sure, animal crackers are cute and nostalgic, but let's be real—they're not exactly a nutritious snack. Often loaded with sugar and simple carbs, these little critters don't offer much when it comes to vitamins or fiber. Plus, they're so easy to keep munching on that before you know it, you've gone through half the box. Maybe next time, opt for a snack that's both tasty and good for you.

3. To Much Cheese

"Cheese," begins one of the users. "All of the cheese. Every [sic] of the cheese." Grammar aside, this person won't budge on their love for dairy products. Cheese can improve the world if you just believe hard enough. Mars Cheese Castle, anyone?

4. Chips

I am on the chips parade. Although I have never gone for top-shelf chip options, nothing beats your favorite potato or corn snack. I miss English chips — what we Brits lack in real food prowess; we compensate for in chip flavor varieties. "It's a French onion dip and spicy nacho Doritos for me," says an American enthusiast. Hey, no double-dipping now.

5. Olives

I am not a fan, though I know people who would fight wars for these salty little fruits, found in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, exported far and wide. It is a weird affinity some people have. "My sister and I would save the money our dad gave us for candy and buy olives instead," boasts one of these super fans. This commenter must have the skin of a Greek god.

6. Gummy Life Savers

"Gummy Life Savers" suggests a sweet-toothed individual with perhaps a slightly addictive personality. Wait, they do gummy Life Savers now? Maybe they do indeed save lives! "I firmly believe these are the reason I got a 32 on the ACT," adds another gummy addict.

7. Half-and-Half

"Fat-free half-and-half," one observer reveals. "Because my husband likes his iced coffee before he goes to work to make bank so we can buy more fat-free half-and-half." I am confused about this indulgence. If it is fat-free, what is the other half?

8. Sparkling Water

Sparkling water might seem like a healthy alternative to soda, but do you really need it? For one, it can be pretty pricey compared to good old tap water. Also, while it's fun to sip on something bubbly, it's not hydrating you any better than regular water would. If it's flavor you're after, why not add a splash of lemon to tap water? It's an easy way to save both money and unnecessary packaging.

9. Gochujang Paste

Admittedly, it's a trendy ingredient for the fridge, but I testify that gochujang paste is a fantastic new addition to any serious Asian cooking enthusiast. I use it to make Korean barbecue sauce for fried chicken. "Honestly, everyone should always have gochujang on hand at all times," agrees another Korean food lover. "It should be added to the mother sauces list."

10. Oreos

One observer believes they are "Better than regular Oreos by a country mile." Now, that is fighting talk. Regular Oreos dipped in milk or coffee are a thing to behold. "I used to get the Piña Colada ones; like way too many packages for one person," adds one of many other fans. Now, I would like to try.

11. Liquor

The tax on a bottle of good bourbon or Scotch makes it hard to justify the cost, though some people refuse to lose their evening companion. "I ventured into the Costco in D.C. and saw they had liquor," claims a fan, "at much cheaper prices than the government-run store here in VA." Time to book that flight to the Capitol.

12. Cherries

"They're so good yet so freaking expensive," complains a cherry lover. How did this even happen? Cherries used to be so well-priced, though anything now with a short season window gives it an exclusive status — just like fresh figs. "Cherries should be the new measure of wealth," jokes one thread member. "Get a load of this guy. He only bought half a kilo of cherries."

(Source: Reddit).

10 Poverty Meals That Taste Like A Million Bucks

Budget meals don't have to taste like they're, well, on a budget. With a little creativity, humble ingredients can transform into comfort food that feels like a treat.

Click Here For 10 Poverty Meals That Taste Like A Million Bucks

12 Things Old People Wish We Still Had Today

Ever wonder what older folks miss the most from back in the day? Well, it's not just rotary phones and black-and-white TV. From handwritten letters to home-cooked meals, here are 12 things that older people often say they miss the most.

Click Here For 12 Things Old People Wish We Still Had Today

25 Last-Minute Dinners You Won't Believe Are This Good

Ran out of time to plan dinner? No worries! You can still whip up something that'll make everyone at the table happy. These dishes are so good, no one will guess they were thrown together in a pinch.

Click Here For 25 Last-Minute Dinners You Won't Believe Are This Good

10 Things Grandpa Knows That You Need To Learn

Grandpas are like a treasure chest of life lessons. They've seen it all and have wisdom on everything from being wise with money to the magic of old tunes.

Click Here For 10 Things Grandpa Knows That You Need To Learn

10 Things to Never, Ever Say in an Elevator

Get ready to discover 10 things you should never, ever say in an elevator, unless you want some seriously uncomfortable glares.

Click Here For 10 Things to Never, Ever Say in an Elevator