Tracey Forrest-Brooks, 31, and Stanley Forrest, 32, both of South Cliff, Eastbourne, appeared before the town's magistrates on Monday (July 7) and pleaded guilty to stealing frankfurters, cheese and a pasta bake from Spar in Terminus Road.
The court heard the offence took place just after 5pm and the couple were stopped outside the shop by staff.
They gave back the frankfurters and cheese but then a struggle occurred and the pasta bake fell on the floor.
Christos Christou, defending, said, "They were both drinking very heavily around the time of the offence because she had a miscarriage and they were constantly drinking to help them cope and deal with the upset.
"Fortunately she is now pregnant again and that has put a new perspective on their life.
"She has not been drinking at all because of her pregnancy and Mr Forrest is also doing extremely well."
Magistrates at Eastbourne gave each defendant a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered the couple to pay a total of £60 in court costs.