free html hit counter Costco shoppers just learned why its milk stays fresher for longer than rivals – it’s all to do with sub-48hr rule – My Blog

Costco shoppers just learned why its milk stays fresher for longer than rivals – it’s all to do with sub-48hr rule

Have you ever wondered why Costco’s milk stays fresh way past its expiration date?

The truth has just been revealed, and it’s all to do with how quickly it goes from farm to warehouse.

GRAYS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 5: A general view of a Costco Wholesale at Lakeside Retail Park on February 5, 2024 in Grays, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)
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Costco shoppers go crazy for its milk, which stays fresher for longer than other brands.[/caption]

The new revelations come after a group of Costco shoppers wondered why it was lasting “significantly longer” than other brands.

According to the Costco subreddit, one said they buy it every day.

“I open milk pretty much the same day I buy it. And Costco milk lasts significantly longer,” one user said.

“I prefer Costco milk because it does last longer than anything else,” another wrote.

According to Reader’s Digest, there are multiple factors behind this sell by date mystery.

Firstly, Costco is committed to quality control so audits its dairy suppliers annually.

This helps ensure compliance with quality and safety standards and may contribute to the milk’s freshness.

‘SURPRISE AUDITS’

“Surprise audits are a standard practice in the dairy industry, albeit the frequency can vary by company,” Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a food scientist and food-industry consultant, told Reader’s Digest.

“Costco’s experience of annual surprise audits helps ensure compliance with quality and safety standards, which can contribute to longer-lasting freshness by reducing contamination risks and spoilage.”


Costco suppliers must score over 85% on this test without a critical finding.

‘HIGH RISK’

Secondly, the warehouse conducts rigorous tests each batch of milk.

The product is on Costco’s “high-risk” list meaning it is kept a close eye on.

Le told the publication it goes through extensive microbiological testing, with 60 tests run on each batch of milk.

“Running extensive microbial tests is common among high-standard dairy producers, [though] 60 tests per batch is above average. 

“Typical dairy producers usually run a few tests, such as total bacterial count, coliforms, somatic cell count and pathogen detection,” Le told Reader’s Digest.

Costco classic food court items

  • Hot Dog with Soda – $1.50
  • Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza slice – $1.99
  • Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad – $6.99
  • Turkey and Swiss Sandwich – $6.99
  • Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie – $2.49

“The rigorous testing ensures the milk is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants, which helps the milk stay fresh longer.”

Lastly, Costco buys milk in bulk meaning the products are shipped more directly and more frequently from producers and they spend less time in distribution.

“The faster logistics can help preserve freshness of the product by shortening the time between production and sale,” Le said.

Milk typically travels from the farm to store shelves in about 48 hours, according to the American Dairy Association.

But because Costco buys so much, it is likely even faster than this, meaning it is fresh when you bring it home.

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