Do you try a free sample if it’s offered in a shop ?
By Traceyjayne
@Traceyjayne (11389)
United Kingdom
February 13, 2026 7:14am CST
I popped into Tesco this morning and to promote their meal deal for Valentine’s Day they were giving away free samples of one of the puddings.
I forget the name but it had a pastry bottom and was filled with raspberry and pistachio something or other …..
I can’t resist a freebie, as you know, so I was right in there ….
I have to say it was delicious.
Not that we are going to be buying our meal from Tesco. So I won’t be having any more ….but , all the same, I was impressed.
Do you try free samples of food or drink when you are out shopping ?
10 people like this
10 responses
@xFiacre (14789)
• Ireland
13 Feb
@traceyjayne No. I suspect that this could be a somewhat unhygienic enterprise, and you never know whose fingers have wandered over the tasty morsel, unwittingly depositing germs. For the same reason I would never eat nibbles left out on the bar of any establishment for the benefit of customers - a study once identified 11 separate urines in a bowl of communal nuts. Am I too fastidious?
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (11389)
• United Kingdom
13 Feb
You make good points. I watched the lady , who was wearing gloves, cut the dessert and a slice was put into a small tray. When you go to the counter she hands you a tray,
Perfectly safe and no other fingers around or people breathing over it etc.
I agree with nibbles on a bar though !
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
14 Feb
I haven't been in a store for years. I do all my food shopping now online and cousin #2 picks up the order at Walmart. I suppose I would partake if I was in a store.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208955)
• United States
13 Feb
Yes, most of the time..unless I am not in the mood for whatever they are offering. Costco always has a lot of demos and samples. I was there briefly last week, and sampled a few.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (174495)
• United States
13 Feb
Usually not. Too many germs floating around in an open space like that. I don't want to catch anything. My system is becoming more delicate the older I get.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59231)
•
13 Feb
I haven't tried any samples anywhere in years. I try to be fairly strict with myself and stick to the limits that work for me.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77183)
• Philippines
13 Feb
Yes, when I see one that I find enticing. I usually try free samples of food and drink but never free skin care samples.
There are European skin care brands here that would offer free samples but they'd prefer to apply it on your skin right away. I just don't ever try it because I have really sensitive skin and the moment you agree, they would annoyingly convince you to buy them.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91116)
• United States
13 Feb
It would depend on what the sample is but generally I would try it.
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (3829)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
21 Feb
if they are offered, i do but i haven't seen free samples in stores i'm visiting for a while
