Say Goodbye to Kids Grabbing Samples at Costco

As a kid, one of the best things about going to Costco was doing a lap around the store and eating free samples. You’d spot a little table up ahead, maybe some unfamiliar food you didn’t realize existed. I would take a bite or two and feel like I’d discovered a hidden society. It was snack-on-the-run, part of the joy of wandering those vast warehouse caverns.

Now, that benefit is being scaled back.  Costco has put a rule into place: a child must be accompanied by an adult to get the free sample.

Why did they change it?

The official justification relies on safety and liability. Not all sample items will clearly list all of the allergens. And Costco wants a grown-up who can decide whether the kid should be allowed to eat that snack.

Moreover, employees have apparently been told not to give samples to unsupervised children, even if they are well-behaved or have received samples in the past.

My take

I get it. Allergies are no joke. But man, this shift pulls on something deep inside of me. It is a small thing, but it is part of the Costco ritual. When you can’t let the kid dart ahead and snag a nibble while you push the cart, you lose some of that magic.

And for families, that could translate into more hovering. You can’t just send your kid off to wander and taste on their own. The small liberations are long gone.

Costco Kids

Montana has as many Costcos, whether You Are in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, or Helena.

On top of that, a new Kalispell location is in the works on North Highway 93.

This will not kill the sample game. But adults can still totally work the freebie angle (in moderation). My Mom always calls it "grazing." It is one of the few reasons I ever volunteered to help Mom with grocery shopping.