One Costco shopper saw a man filling a large drink cup with the store’s sauce, sparking a conversation about the free condiments.
In a viral TikTok video uploaded by Malcolm (@thevoiceoverbrother), a man is seen pouring ketchup and mustard into a soda cup. As of publication, the clip has garnered him 558,200 views and 7,672 likes.
“When you get unlimited sauce at Costco,” said text overlaid on the clip.
The video’s publisher also asked viewers whether they thought the man’s actions were wise.
“Costco hack? Or what?” he asked.
Malcolm also provided a voiceover explaining what happened in the clip.
“A gentleman came to Costco,” he began. “What he did was he took out a big soda cup and filled it to the brim with sauce.”
He also detailed what sauces were used.
“He filled the cup with ketchup to the tip and to the top of the brim,” he continued. “Instead of buying mustard, he filled it to the top with mustard.”
The TikToker imagined the man using a “hack” to never pay for condiments at home.
“That way you don’t have to buy seasonings at home,” he said. “He just takes them home. When it’s all over, he comes back and does it all over again.”
@a_o_o_o_o_o_ This economy has led people to do several things. #Costco #costcofind #Costcotiktoku #foodhack #lifehack #fyp ♬ Original song – Malcolm
In the comments section, many blamed the store’s limiting condiment options on the actions of men.
User Paul said: “This is why they took away the onions.”
Another viewer agreed: “It turns out Costco doesn’t have the option of giving me a packet.”
instagram user raymond austin I wondered if putting ketchup in a soda cup was considered theft.
“To steal or not to steal?” a user captioned the same video.
Some people criticized the man’s actions in the comments.
However, some justified the men’s actions by pointing to the current difficult economic situation.
One viewer replied: “No, I didn’t steal it.” “It’s self-preservation.”
Another viewer added: “They always give us little details.” “Why don’t you try it back?”
The Daily Dot reached out to Malcolm in a comment on TikTok and to Costco via email for more information.
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*First published: May 14, 2024 at 8:00 PM CDT
Tiffany Drayton
Tiffany Drayton is a geek culture and lifestyle reporter who covers everything from gender and race to anime and Xbox. Her work has appeared in Complex, Salon, Marie Claire, Playboy, and more.