Women are meant to be the experts at shopping - but new research reveals the whole experience leaves them flustered and stressed.

The surprise findings emerged in a study of 2,000 people and shows that not all women get ‘retail therapy’ from a spot of shopping.

In fact, in a supermarket environment, one third of females get themselves into a complete flap when they do the weekly shop.

And this is despite being organised and armed with shopping lists, money off-coupons, tissues, vouchers and recycled carrier bags.

In contrast, three quarters of men quite enjoy their food shopping experience and are happy to navigate their way around the aisles searching out products.

Men are less forgetful about what they want to buy, are less likely to feel rushed by the cashiers and are more methodical at the checkouts.

Helen Nunn, Head of Marketing at The Co-operative Food which commissioned the research, said: 'We suspect one of the key reasons why women are more agitated in the supermarket is largely because they are rushing round trying to conduct the shopping as quickly as possible.

'Doing the food shop will be one item on a massive list of jobs, and something which simply has to be done at speed.

'Men seem to adopt a much more laid back and methodical approach, taking their time looking for bargains and make sure they’re getting the most for their money.'

The survey shows two thirds of females dislike battling the crowds in the supermarket to get at what they want.

And 34 percent hate it when other people’s children get in their way.

One in 10 women even admitted to having an argument with another shopper in the supermarket - either because of trolley rage, fighting over the same item or queue jumping.

Four in 10 women can’t stand feeling rushed when the cashier scans items too quickly so they struggle to get everything into the right bags.

And 35 percent claim they are shocked every time they reach the till and realise how much they have spent.

But the poll suggests women are the savvier shoppers - as they are less baffled by all the different brands in the shop and are more likely to ask for help if needed.

(Read by Emily Cheng. Emily Cheng is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)

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(Agencies)