If you’ve ever looked forward to wandering through Costco with a mini meal courtesy of free samples, you might have noticed fewer of those tasty treats lately. That’s because Costco’s once‑popular sampling stations are changing—and in some areas, disappearing altogether. Understanding where samples have dried up can help temper expectations, adjust shopping plans, and even reignite older routines from pre‑pandemic days. Let’s explore the six spots within Costco where free samples are becoming a rare find in 2025.
1. In the Food Court
Costco’s iconic food court — where hot dogs, pizza, and churros used to reappear as sample options — no longer offers these freebies. Sampling in this area has effectively vanished as the food court has shifted toward focused menu offerings and streamlined operations. Cost‑savings or simplification are likely behind eliminating samples in these once‑lively corners. Shoppers nostalgic for that quick bite before checkout may need to adjust. Now, we often head straight for the register or cart without the sample stroll as a bonus.
2. Near the Deli and Prepared Foods
The deli department used to host tasty treats—think a slice of ham or a nibble of salad—handed out by station workers. Those days are fading fast. Retailers have largely phased out these demos, and Costco is no exception. Whether due to staffing, cleanliness standards, or safety protocols, prepared food samples near deli counters are no longer common. As a result, the only way to taste before buying is often to rely on packaging labels or reviews.
3. Self-Service Sampling Kiosks
Once introduced as a labor-saving option, self-service sampling kiosks were met with mixed reactions. These stations were designed to let customers help themselves to prepackaged samples, but the lack of human interaction led Costco to scale back. Reports as early as 2023 noted shifting back toward person‑staffed demos due to concerns over misuse, cleanliness, and member satisfaction. Today, self-serve models have largely vanished, returning to traditional sampling formats—where they still exist.
4. Weekday Sample Frenzy
Free samples used to be reliably abundant midweek, but now they’re often reserved for weekends when staffing is highest. That means during Monday through Friday runs, shoppers may barely see a sample station, much less queue for one. Former employees suggest the richest sampling windows now occur only on Saturdays and Sundays, particularly between 1 and 2 PM when shifts overlap. So if samples are part of your shopping motivation, picking your timing matters more than ever.
5. For Unaccompanied Minors
Earlier in 2025, Costco implemented a notable sample‑policy change: minors can no longer collect free samples unless accompanied by an adult. This means even savvy teenage members shopping alone will find sample stations off-limits—unless paired with a grown-up. This move primarily aims to prevent accidental allergen exposures and address liability concerns. So families need to shop smarter, ensuring parents or guardians are present, not sending minors solo.
6. At Smaller or Less-Busy Locations
Smaller Costco locations or those in areas with lower traffic or staffing may curtail free sampling entirely. Not every warehouse maintains the demo infrastructure or employee schedules necessary for consistent sampling. Some stores have scaled back, replacing stations with signage or none at all. If your local branch feels sample-deprived, staffing limitations or local policies might be the reason. Checking in with your store—or observing how “alive” the sampling kiosks look—can clue you into their status.
Where Free Samples Still Live—For Now
Despite cutbacks, free samples haven’t disappeared completely. Weekend afternoons remain a hotspot for tasting—and some team-staffed stations persist in high-traffic areas. But the carefree sampling culture is fading. The lucky few Costco locations that still offer demos are now anchored by staffing schedules, liability considerations, and customer safety—not nostalgia.
Have you noticed fewer free samples on your last Costco trip—or figured out a smart workaround? Share your shopping hacks or sample disappointments in the comments!
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