What is the most shoplifted food in the world?

Asked by: Jammie Rippin I  |  Last update: October 3, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

The most shoplifted food in the world is consistently reported to be cheese, often cited in studies by organizations like the UK's Center for Retail Research, with around 4% of all cheese going missing from shelves, due to its high value, concealability, and high demand for resale on black markets or to restaurants. High-end meats, alcohol, chocolate, and baby formula are also frequent targets, but cheese remains the top food item stolen globally.

What's the most shoplifted food item in the world?

A report by the UK's Center for Retail Research found that cheese is the most stolen food in the world. It turns out that about 4 percent of cheese goes missing from stores.

What products are shoplifted the most?

Cosmetics, makeup and lipsticks are regularly stolen for personal use, as gifts or for sale to others. The containers are often small and goods can be secreted in pockets, bags or knapsacks. Other products in this often-stolen category are sun-cream, skin-cream, hair treatment and shampoo. Cheese.

Why do shoplifters steal cheese?

They are stealing cheese and meat and seafood - because those are the most valuable by weight (and size) and are the easiest to sell on the black market.

What food gets stolen the most?

The most stolen food in the world is, in fact, cheese. Around 4% of ALL the cheese made in the world gets stolen. There's even a black market of stolen cheeses, but...

The Most Stolen Food in the World

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What is the 2 2 2 rule for food?

The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for food safety and reducing waste with leftovers: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, and if freezing, store it for up to 2 months for best quality, preventing harmful bacteria growth in the "Danger Zone" (40°F-140°F). This rule helps you manage perishable items, from big roasts to batch-cooked soups, ensuring they're safe and delicious.
 

Who shoplifts the most?

The odds of shoplifting were significantly higher in men than in women. Native Americans had higher odds than whites, although blacks, Hispanics, and Asian Americans had lower odds of shoplifting than non-Hispanic whites.

What's the most stolen item from Walmart?

The most stolen items from Walmart consistently include cosmetics (makeup, hair dye), small electronics (chargers, headphones), OTC medications (pain relievers, allergy meds), and high-value grocery/hygiene items (meat, vitamins, baby formula), along with popular collectibles like Pokemon and sports cards, due to high demand and easy resale. Specific items vary by store, but beauty products, electronics, and essentials are universally targeted for their value and frequent need.

What is worse than shoplifting?

First, shoplifting is typically considered a less serious offense than theft. This is because shoplifting is usually only punishable by a fine or short jail sentence, while theft can result in felony charges and lengthy prison time.

What's the most stolen thing at Target?

The most stolen items from Target are typically high-value, small, and easy-to-resell products, with premium alcohol, cosmetics, small electronics (like headphones, data sticks), baby formula, and razors consistently topping lists due to their cost and demand, though everyday items like butter, meat, and batteries are also frequently targeted, often driven by economic hardship. 

Is stealing 1 dollar a crime?

§ 641 makes it a crime to steal "any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof." If the property stolen is worth less than $1,000, the statute authorizes fines and a maximum prison term of one year.

What is the number one shoplifting city in the US?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga's rates of reported shoplifting rival that of major U.S. cities like Chicago, according to a data from the Council of Criminal Justice. They rank Chattanooga as #1 in shoplifting incidents per capita in the United States.

What is the most stolen cheese?

One of the most coveted cheeses is Parmigiano Reggiano. According to one estimate, more than $3 million of the cheese is stolen in Italy every year.

Which state has the highest shoplifting?

In 2021 $68.89 billion in goods were stolen from retailers across the country. This was equal to 1.47% of all sales nationwide. Thirteen states exceeded the national average, with the highest rates of theft in Pennsylvania (2.41%), California (2.32%), and Arkansas (2.25%).

How are most shoplifters caught?

Most stores these days have surveillance cameras to track and record the behavior of shoplifters. Shoplifters don't know if someone is watching from a distance possibly using multiple cameras, high-powered binoculars, and recording their criminal acts.

Does Walmart track shoplifters?

If caught shoplifting: You're likely recorded by AI surveillance. You may be approached and asked to return the item. Law enforcement will be called for anything above $25 in value or if you're a repeat offender.

What is the most common stolen food in America?

Nutrient-rich foods like cheese make it attractive to selective thieves. But maybe the biggest reason that cheese is so frequently stolen is that cheese makes us happy. It's true, cheese has scientifically been proven to make people happy.

How many people sue Walmart a day?

Walmart is sued nearly 20 times daily, close to 5,000 times each year. Many of these lawsuits have been brought by Walmart's employees, who allege employment discrimination and wage and hour violations, mostly involving overtime. Our law firm handles only severe injury and wrongful death personal injury cases.

What's the number one most stolen item?

The most commonly stolen items depend on where the theft happens—such as stores, homes, or cars—but they usually share two traits: they are valuable and easy to resell. These include electronics, jewelry, designer clothing, and perfumes.

What is the 7 day rule for food?

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food prepared and held for more than 24 hours in a food establishment must be marked with the date of preparation and must be discarded if not consumed within 7 calendar days from the date of preparation.

Is it better to eat every 3 hours or every 4 hours?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating but timing your meals every 3 to 4 hours is a great starting point. Think of it as an act of care—one that fuels your day, stabilizes your mood, and helps you tune into your body's needs.

What is the food rule 35?

35: Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature.