I usually go by brand names a lot, when it comes to food anyways. I prefer like Kemps milk over any other 'generic' brand because their well known.

I try to go for quality top notch food, I mean who wouldn't? I am not going to buy expired food or let alone anything that is rubbish 'quality'

I try to stay cheap, but I'll always go for the 'known' brand names and they are usually more expensive than generic kinds, but it's whatever.

I don't really shop by word of mouth, but when I hear people talk about so and so being good, I have to try it. I tried this ice cream with a G' word, forgot the name but they seem really natural with their ingredients. It comes in a small pint sized tub.

I prefer to know what I'm eating, which means I would like it to be verified. I don't want know GMO or processed food so authentic or say 'real' food is what I choose.

Reputation is a good one. If a company, like Kemps, has a good reputation of being faithful to their customers, you know I'll always buy it. This kind of fits with Brand name, but a little less vague. Don't look at Naked juice or that 'organic' cereal scandal

I usually do a force of habit or traditional because that's what I'm used too. I know what I want because I buy it all the time. So when I say force of habit it's like natural instinct to get what I want. I don't try new things unless it sparks my curiousity.

The design catches my eye, whether it's colorful or shaped interestingly, or it just looks funky, it makes me want to buy things. It grabs you in.

Which ties in with curiosity, if their is a nifty design I'll be inclined to buy things more. Or if I'm just curious to try something new. Gotta get yourself outside the circle of food right? ha

I like what I like, all that mess in the OP that I'm NOT reading