Why You Might Think Twice Before Buying Costco Milk
April 11, 2024
source: Pexels
I love shopping at Costco, as you might already know. What’s not to like? Good prices, free samples galore, and the kind of bulk shopping that makes my inner hoarder do a little dance of joy. And when it comes to snacking? Let’s just say you can pretty much get anything there. You know who loves going to Costco more than me? My grandma. Sometimes she calls me just to ask me to go to Costco with her. One time, she bought enough paper towels to last her through the next decade, and on another trip, she discovered her love for their giant tubs of hummus. Well, you get it. I’m a Costco fan through and through.
But as it turns out, some people get quite frustrated with their milk. And the reason, you might think? No, it’s not that the milk is of poor quality. On the contrary, it’s very good, and I can say this confidently because I’ve tried it myself, and it’s become a staple in my fridge. The price is normal too, pretty much what you’d expect for the amount you’re getting. So what’s the issue then?
Many Costco stores have their milk in square plastic jugs that are really hard to pour without making a mess. You might wonder, “Is it really that difficult to pour milk?” But trust me, pouring from these jugs can end up being a clumsy and funny situation. The first time I bought one, I thought nothing of it. It was just another item on my Costco list, alongside the industrial-sized peanut butter and the vat of olive oil I swear I’ll finish one day.
The trouble began the next morning. Picture this: I’m in my kitchen, half-awake, craving my morning cereal. I grab the square jug, pop the cap, and tilt it over my bowl. What followed was a milk waterfall that not only missed the bowl but also splattered across my countertop, dribbled down my cabinets, and created a milky puddle on the floor. I stood there, milk jug in hand, staring in disbelief at the chaos. It was as if the jug had a mind of its own, rebelling against the very idea of a controlled pour.
I chalked it up to my sleepy state and cleaned up the mess. But as days passed, I realized that no matter how alert I was, no matter the angle or the technique I tried, I ended up with milk everywhere but in my cup or bowl. It was maddening. I even Googled “how to pour milk from a square jug,” half expecting to find a secret society of frustrated Costco shoppers sharing tips and tricks. To my surprise, I found forums and social media threads filled with people venting about their milk-pouring woes.
The design, while seemingly innovative and storage-friendly, just doesn’t lend itself to a smooth pour. The sharp angles and the size of the jug make for a clumsy grip and an unpredictable stream. It’s a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, but when you’re rushing in the morning or trying to make a quick cup of tea before bed, it’s the last thing you want to deal with.
So, why might you not want to buy your milk from Costco? It boils down to the jug. If you’re someone who values a mess-free kitchen or if you’re simply not willing to engage in a daily battle with a container of milk, you might want to stick to the more traditional gallon jugs offered elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong; I still love Costco for everything else it offers. But when it comes to milk, I’ve learned my lesson. I now buy my milk from the local grocery store, in the old-fashioned jugs that pour smoothly and predictably, every time. My mornings are calmer, my kitchen is cleaner, and my cereal is blissfully milk-splatter-free.
Well, not all innovations are for the better, at least when it comes to kitchen practicalities. And while I’m all for trying new things, sometimes, sticking to what works is the best way forward. Especially if it means avoiding the daily milk fiasco. Next time you’re at Costco, excited by all the products and the fun of buying in bulk, think twice before getting the milk. Or at least, get ready for a little challenge when you pour it.
