Costco makes a quiet change to its free samples—and some families may feel it most
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One of the simple pleasures of a Costco visit has long been the generous free samples scattered throughout the aisles.
Whether it’s a bite of crispy dumpling or a warm mini muffin, those sample stations often feel like a little reward for making the trip.
But now, Costco has introduced a new policy that may affect how families—especially those shopping with kids or grandkids—experience those tasty treats.
The warehouse giant has started enforcing a new rule aimed at safety and supervision.
While the samples aren’t going away, the way they’re accessed is now slightly more structured.
New rule: No unaccompanied kids at the sample table
Costco’s latest policy is simple but important: children can no longer take free samples unless an adult is with them.
So if your grandchild runs ahead for a bite of cheese or a sip of juice while you’re still browsing, the sample station staff will kindly ask them to return with you.
This change is rooted in health and safety concerns—especially around food allergies and ingredient transparency.
As more families deal with dietary restrictions or allergens, Costco is aiming to make sure no child accidentally consumes something harmful.
It’s a well-meaning shift, though it does mean you’ll want to keep younger companions close during your shopping rounds.
Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
It may change your sample strategy
For many Costco shoppers, the sample stations are a beloved part of the routine.
Kids in particular often treat them like treasure hunts, darting from one station to the next.
But with this new policy, shopping may become more of a team activity.
No more sending a child ahead to grab “just one more” of those mini egg rolls while you finish choosing between peanut butters.
Sample servers are now on alert to ensure the new rule is followed, making this more of a group experience than ever before.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
More than just samples: A look at Costco’s strict policies
This update falls in line with Costco’s broader effort to reinforce existing rules—especially around membership use.
The company has long had guidelines that limit how cards can be shared, and recent crackdowns show they’re taking enforcement seriously.
Here’s a quick overview of those membership terms:
So whether it’s shopping or sampling, it’s best to keep the cardholder present and involved.
Costco employees are trained to check cards and are actively discouraging card sharing or unauthorized use—even if it seems harmless.
Also read: Costco in Japan is a whole new experience—here’s why travelers are obsessed
What those yellow price tag stickers really mean
While we’re lifting the lid on Costco’s behind-the-scenes operations, have you ever noticed small yellow stickers on the price signs?
These aren’t sale indicators—they’re used during inventory checks.
Employees use them to mark which items are being counted or weighed during audits.
While it may not affect your shopping, it’s a little peek into the inner workings of how Costco keeps its shelves stocked.
Staff say it’s a tedious but essential part of making sure your favorite products don’t run out.
Also read: These 11 hidden Costco deals are too good to miss—here’s what to look for
So what does this mean for you and your family?
Most shoppers won’t be too inconvenienced by the new sample rule, but families with young kids—or those who love making the most of every Costco perk—may need to adjust.
The good news is that samples are still available, still free, and still delicious.
The only real change is that you’ll need to enjoy them side by side, rather than splitting up.
In the end, it’s a small shift that puts health and safety first, while preserving one of the most fun parts of the shopping experience.
Read next: Skip the lines at Costco? A new perk lets you shop early—if you qualify
Do you enjoy Costco’s samples as much as the shopping itself? Have you ever had to chase down a grandchild mid-aisle for that second sausage bite? Or maybe you’ve discovered some clever ways to keep the little ones entertained while you explore the store?
We’d love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts below and let us know if this new policy will change your shopping routine—or if it's just another reminder that even snack time evolves.
Whether it’s a bite of crispy dumpling or a warm mini muffin, those sample stations often feel like a little reward for making the trip.
But now, Costco has introduced a new policy that may affect how families—especially those shopping with kids or grandkids—experience those tasty treats.
The warehouse giant has started enforcing a new rule aimed at safety and supervision.
While the samples aren’t going away, the way they’re accessed is now slightly more structured.
Costco shoppers may notice small but meaningful changes during their next visit, especially when it comes to the beloved free sample stations. Image Source: YouTube / @albertdejesus7611.
New rule: No unaccompanied kids at the sample table
Costco’s latest policy is simple but important: children can no longer take free samples unless an adult is with them.
So if your grandchild runs ahead for a bite of cheese or a sip of juice while you’re still browsing, the sample station staff will kindly ask them to return with you.
This change is rooted in health and safety concerns—especially around food allergies and ingredient transparency.
As more families deal with dietary restrictions or allergens, Costco is aiming to make sure no child accidentally consumes something harmful.
It’s a well-meaning shift, though it does mean you’ll want to keep younger companions close during your shopping rounds.
Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
It may change your sample strategy
For many Costco shoppers, the sample stations are a beloved part of the routine.
Kids in particular often treat them like treasure hunts, darting from one station to the next.
But with this new policy, shopping may become more of a team activity.
No more sending a child ahead to grab “just one more” of those mini egg rolls while you finish choosing between peanut butters.
Sample servers are now on alert to ensure the new rule is followed, making this more of a group experience than ever before.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
More than just samples: A look at Costco’s strict policies
This update falls in line with Costco’s broader effort to reinforce existing rules—especially around membership use.
The company has long had guidelines that limit how cards can be shared, and recent crackdowns show they’re taking enforcement seriously.
Here’s a quick overview of those membership terms:
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use the Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed, as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases, and guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder—such as a family member or friend who doesn’t live at your address. They’ll receive their own card and can shop independently.
So whether it’s shopping or sampling, it’s best to keep the cardholder present and involved.
Costco employees are trained to check cards and are actively discouraging card sharing or unauthorized use—even if it seems harmless.
Also read: Costco in Japan is a whole new experience—here’s why travelers are obsessed
What those yellow price tag stickers really mean
While we’re lifting the lid on Costco’s behind-the-scenes operations, have you ever noticed small yellow stickers on the price signs?
These aren’t sale indicators—they’re used during inventory checks.
Employees use them to mark which items are being counted or weighed during audits.
While it may not affect your shopping, it’s a little peek into the inner workings of how Costco keeps its shelves stocked.
Staff say it’s a tedious but essential part of making sure your favorite products don’t run out.
Those small yellow stickers on Costco price tags aren’t random—they’re part of the store’s inventory tracking process. Image Source: Reddit / yukata731.
Also read: These 11 hidden Costco deals are too good to miss—here’s what to look for
So what does this mean for you and your family?
Most shoppers won’t be too inconvenienced by the new sample rule, but families with young kids—or those who love making the most of every Costco perk—may need to adjust.
The good news is that samples are still available, still free, and still delicious.
The only real change is that you’ll need to enjoy them side by side, rather than splitting up.
In the end, it’s a small shift that puts health and safety first, while preserving one of the most fun parts of the shopping experience.
Read next: Skip the lines at Costco? A new perk lets you shop early—if you qualify
Do you enjoy Costco’s samples as much as the shopping itself? Have you ever had to chase down a grandchild mid-aisle for that second sausage bite? Or maybe you’ve discovered some clever ways to keep the little ones entertained while you explore the store?
We’d love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts below and let us know if this new policy will change your shopping routine—or if it's just another reminder that even snack time evolves.
