Costco’s free sample programme has long been a highlight of the warehouse shopping experience, offering customers the chance to try a wide range of products across food, beverage, and household categories. In recent months, the retailer has implemented a stricter policy regarding who can receive samples, with a particular focus on child safety and allergy management. This article outlines the key changes, the reasons behind them, and what UK shoppers can expect when visiting Costco stores.
The New Adult Accompanyment Rule
Costco now requires that children be accompanied by an adult in order to receive free samples. This rule means that unaccompanied minors will not be given samples at station kiosks. Previously, children could approach sample stations independently and take items; however, the updated policy mandates parental or guardian presence for every sample transaction involving a child.
This change applies to all sample stations within the warehouse, including those in the frozen food section, bakery, prepared foods area, and pantry snacks aisles. Staff are instructed to ask whether a parent or guardian is present before handing out samples to younger customers.
Rationale: Allergy Safety and Liability
The primary driver behind this policy update is safety. Many samples are not clearly labelled with allergen information, which poses a risk for children with food allergies or dietary restrictions. By ensuring an adult is present, Costco aims to prevent accidental consumption of allergens and protect both the child and the company from potential health incidents and liability issues.
Staff and official communications emphasise that parents are best placed to monitor what their children eat and to check ingredients when necessary. The rule is also intended to promote responsible sampling and reduce the risk of children taking more than their fair share or behaving unsafely around busy sample stations.
Multiple Samples: What Shoppers Need to Know
Despite the new restrictions for children, the policy on multiple samples remains unchanged for all shoppers. Customers are still permitted to take more than one sample of the same item, provided they do so considerately and without clearing the entire tray. Staff will typically accommodate polite requests for additional samples, especially if a customer wishes to try different flavours or varieties.
There are no formal limits on the number of samples a single customer can receive, but common courtesy is encouraged. Shoppers are advised to be polite to sample station staff and to respect other customers waiting for their turn.
Best Times to Collect Samples
For those looking to maximise their sample experience, weekends—particularly Saturday and Sunday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.—are reported as the busiest times with the highest number of active sample stations. However, these periods can also be the most crowded. Alternatively, visiting on Monday or Tuesday may offer a quieter shopping environment, though there may be fewer sample stations in operation.
Other Recent Costco Membership Changes
In addition to the updated sample policy, Costco has introduced new benefits for Executive Members. As of 30 June 2025, Executive Members can shop an hour early on most days of the week. Stores open at 9 a.m. exclusively for Executive Members from Sunday through Friday, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Gold Star and Business Members can access the warehouse from 10 a.m. Sunday to Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
These changes are designed to help members avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
Conclusion
Costco’s updated free sample policy places child safety and allergy awareness at the forefront, requiring adult accompaniment for minors at all sample stations. While this may alter the shopping routine for some families, the retailer continues to allow multiple samples for all customers and has introduced new early-shopping benefits for Executive Members. Shoppers are encouraged to plan visits according to sample station activity and to always supervise children when sampling products.