Costco's free samples are a cultural phenomenon, and many members make a challenge out of eating as many of them as they can. Costco's members can partake in as much free sample food as they want, but you may wonder if the samplers are able to savor their own goods.

One Costco employee revealed in a Reddit forum that they could take a bite out of their samples, but only when they were off the clock. However, this varies by location, as another sampler on Reddit explained their store does let them savor the goods on the clock under certain strict protocols.

Costco samplers who are allowed to eat on the clock have to go to the side of the stand, presumably so customers can't see them eating. Then, after tasting their samples, they have to change out their gloves to keep things sanitary for when they start handing out food again.