Hastings magistrates heard that heroin addict Alexander Emani, 29, of Easter Ascent, had been in court the day before to appear before a district judge on a theft charge.
Following the hearing at 11.15am Emani walked 200 yards to the supermarket to steal again.
Emani admitted the theft charge, and the court heard that he has a list of 26 previous shoplifting convictions. He was jailed for three months by magistrates.
Peter Bolwell, prosecuting, said: "The goods were recovered. He is quite a persistent offender."
Linda Kerry, mitigating, told the court: "He has had a drug addiction for a number of years. He is on a methadone prescription. His offending is linked to drug use. He understand how seriously the court views this.
"He cannot explain why he did what he did. He is starting to get his life together. He is working after being unemployed for six years. He is currently working as a prep chef with Lathams Brasserie. The offences dealt with yesterday happened earlier this year."