If you’ve ever strolled through Costco on a Saturday, you know what time it is—free sample time. It’s part of the whole experience. But recently, Costco has cracked down on its free samples policy, introducing new rules that might leave some shoppers scratching their heads. Whether you’re a parent, a frequent club shopper, or just someone who enjoys a free bite, here’s what you need to know about the changes.
The new policy isn’t just about being strict—it’s about safety, hygiene, and making sure everyone gets a fair chance. Let’s break it down in a friendly, straight-shooting way.
Costco Cracks Down on Free Samples
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Change | Kids can’t get samples without an adult physically in line with them |
| Who It Affects | Shoppers under 18, especially teens shopping alone |
| Why It Changed | Safety, allergies, and liability concerns |
| Adult Sampling | Adults can still sample unlimited times, within reason |
| Hygiene Rules | Touch only the red sample tray or napkins—no utensils or setup gear |
| Best Sampling Times | Weekends (1-2pm) for variety; Tuesdays for short lines |
| Official Info | Costco Wholesale |
Costco’s new sample rules might seem strict, but they’re rooted in common sense and customer safety. Whether you’re a weekend snacker or a parent guiding kids through the aisles, a little awareness goes a long way.
So next time you’re rolling through Costco, remember: Free samples are a privilege, not a right. Be cool, follow the rules, and everyone wins.
Why Costco Changed the Free Sample Rules
Let’s be real—handing out food to thousands of people daily is a big responsibility. Costco partners with Club Demonstration Services (CDS) to manage sample booths. But with more kids and teens shopping alone, the company faced safety concerns, especially around food allergies.
They don’t want to risk giving a peanut-laced chicken nugget to a kid with no adult supervision. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, 1 in 13 children has a food allergy in the U.S.
That’s why the new rule says: no free samples to minors unless a parent or guardian is right there in line. Not nearby. Not around the corner. Physically. In. Line.
What You Can Still Do as an Adult
Here’s the good news: Adults still get to enjoy Costco’s famous samples. In fact, there are no official limits on how many times you can grab a bite.
But let’s keep it classy. Etiquette matters. Here’s how to sample like a pro:
Sampling Etiquette 101
- Be nice to the workers. They’re not there to serve dinner—they’re promoting a product.
- Take only 1-2 pieces. Don’t pile your plate like it’s Thanksgiving.
- Wait your turn. Hovering over the tray while it’s cooking? Major no-no.
- No fake disguises. Coming back with a different hat won’t fool anyone.
Who These Changes Really Impact
The group hit hardest? Teens shopping alone. Many 16 or 17-year-olds head to Costco to grab a snack and check out the electronics. Under the new policy, they can’t get free samples unless an adult is physically present.
This can be frustrating, especially for younger Costco members, but it comes down to legal risk. CDS staff can’t ask kids about their allergies or medical history—so Costco plays it safe.
Hygiene & Health: Another Reason Behind the Policy
Costco also tightened rules on hygiene. Only touch the red tray (where the samples are) or the napkins provided. That’s it. No grabbing the tongs. No digging into the setup.
This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s about public health. In a post-COVID world, cross-contamination is a real concern. The goal is to keep things clean, especially when handing out food to thousands.
According to the CDC, proper food handling can prevent serious illness. Costco’s not taking any chances.
Best Times to Hit Up the Sample Stations
Want to beat the crowds or find the most variety? Here’s your cheat sheet:
Best Variety
- Saturdays, 1pm – 2pm: That’s when you’ll see the most sample booths up and running.
Shortest Lines
- Tuesday mornings: Fewer people. Less chaos. Same delicious bites.
Pro Tip
If you have to bring the kids, go during weekday lunch hours. The lines are shorter, and the staff has more time to answer questions about ingredients.
A Quick Guide: How to Handle Samples With Kids
Here’s how to avoid drama at the sample counter if you’re shopping with little ones:
- Stay in line with your child. Don’t just wave from the aisle.
- Ask the staff if ingredients are safe. Most will have info ready.
- Respect the rules. If they say no sample for your kid, don’t argue.
- Sanitize before and after. Keep it clean, folks.
Behind the Scenes: How Sampling Really Works
Many shoppers don’t realize the logistics involved in giving out those tasty samples. Here’s a peek behind the curtain:
- CDS employees are trained in food safety, portion control, and customer interaction.
- Each sample has a target sell goal, meaning they’re not just giving out food for fun—they’re tracking what works.
- Most sample booths rotate every 2-4 weeks based on seasonality and sales data.
If you love a sample, grab the product nearby—that’s how these programs stay alive.
Old vs. New Sample Policy
| Feature | Old Policy (Generally) | New Policy (Effective July 2025) |
| Children Taking Samples | Often allowed without direct adult supervision | Requires adult presence for children to receive samples |
| Number of Samples | Unofficial “take what you need” | Still no official limit, but courtesy encouraged |
| Primary Focus | Product discovery & customer engagement | Product discovery, customer engagement & safety |
Sampling Around the World: How Costco Compares
Fun fact: Costco locations outside the U.S. have different sampling cultures:
- Japan: Samples are extremely polite, and lines form neatly with minimal chatter.
- Canada: Similar to the U.S., but often more lenient with teens.
- UK: Sampling is more limited; some stores offer fewer booths overall.
In short, American Costco is the gold standard when it comes to free samples. But with great snacking comes great responsibility.
FAQs
Can my 17-year-old get a free sample at Costco without me?
No. Even if they’re a member, they need a parent physically present in line.
Can adults go back for more samples?
Yes, but don’t overdo it. Be respectful and avoid clogging the line.
Why are these rules in place?
Safety and liability. With so many kids having allergies, Costco is minimizing risk.
Are all locations enforcing this?
Yes, the rule is nationwide across the U.S. via Costco’s sampling partner, CDS.
Can I ask what’s in the sample?
Absolutely. Staff are trained to disclose basic ingredients and allergens.
Are there alternatives to samples?
Yes! Costco often has seasonal food fairs, in-store demos, and discounts on full-size items promoted via samples.
