Pea Milk at Costco: The Definitive Answer
For shoppers searching for plant-based alternatives, Costco has long been a source for bulk-sized almond, oat, and soy milks from their Kirkland Signature line and other major brands. However, when it comes to pea milk, the inventory story is far more complex. The answer is that Costco has sold pea milk in the past, but it is not a consistent, permanently stocked product. The most notable example is the partnership with Ripple Foods, a leading manufacturer of pea-based dairy alternatives.
Ripple's History in Costco Warehouses
In 2020, the vegan community celebrated when Ripple Foods successfully launched its pea milk products at select Costco locations, specifically in the Midwest region. This initial launch was a trial run, with a three-pack of 48-ounce Ripple Original Plant-Based Milk available at 18 stores in states including Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The success of such a limited test determines future broader distribution. More recently, in 2024, Ripple Kids cartons were spotted in Midwest Costco warehouses, once again confirming the intermittent and regional nature of this product's availability.
These limited-run sales mean that customers should not expect to find pea milk in the refrigerated dairy or shelf-stable beverage aisle on every shopping trip. For example, some Reddit users have noted finding Ripple milk on clearance, indicating that it was a discontinued item in that specific location after the trial period ended. This practice is common for new items that Costco tests in specific markets.
How to Check for Pea Milk Availability at Your Local Costco
Given the variable nature of Costco's inventory, especially for specialty products like pea milk, relying on a simple check is the most effective approach. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Use the Costco App or Website: Check the store's inventory online. While not all local inventory is reflected perfectly, it's a good first step. Searching for 'Ripple' or 'pea milk' on the Instacart platform for Costco can also provide insight, though it reflects Instacart's stock, not necessarily Costco's.
- Call Your Local Warehouse: A direct phone call to your specific Costco store is one of the most reliable methods. Use the store's membership or customer service line to inquire about specific items.
- Ask in Person: While at the warehouse, ask an employee in the grocery section. They often have the most up-to-date information on seasonal or limited-time offerings.
- Check the Clearance Aisles: Since pea milk has appeared on clearance, it's worth checking the last-chance product displays near the front of the store or in the grocery aisles.
Common Plant-Based Milk Alternatives at Costco
For those who strike out on pea milk, Costco consistently offers a wide array of other plant-based milks in bulk quantities. These are reliable, always-in-stock alternatives:
- Almond Milk: Often sold in multi-packs of shelf-stable or refrigerated cartons under the Kirkland Signature brand or popular labels like Silk and Almond Breeze.
- Oat Milk: With its growing popularity, oat milk is now a staple, available in multi-packs of Kirkland Signature or other brands.
- Soy Milk: A long-standing plant-based option, soy milk is frequently available, including organic varieties from Kirkland Signature.
- Coconut Milk: While less common than the others, some stores carry coconut milk as an alternative.
Pea Milk vs. Other Plant-Based Milks at Costco
Here is a comparison of pea milk, specifically Ripple, against the common alternatives found at Costco.
| Feature | Pea Milk (Ripple) | Almond Milk | Oat Milk | Soy Milk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Content | Very High (Often 8g/serving) | Very Low (Typically 1g/serving) | Medium (3-4g/serving) | High (6-8g/serving) |
| Flavor | Creamy, Neutral, Less Sweet | Nutty, Mild | Creamy, Sweet, Oat-like | Beany, Pronounced |
| Allergens | Allergen-Friendly (No nuts, soy, or dairy) | Contains Tree Nuts | May contain gluten (check label) | Contains Soy |
| Texture | Smooth, Thicker than Almond | Thin, Watery | Creamy, Rich, Thick | Smooth, Milky |
| Common Use | Drinking, Smoothies, Baking | Cereal, Smoothies | Coffee, Smoothies, Cereal | Drinking, Baking |
| Costco Availability | Intermittent, Regional | Consistent, Bulk Packs | Consistent, Bulk Packs | Consistent, Bulk Packs |
Conclusion: The Final Word on Pea Milk at Costco
In short, while you might find pea milk at Costco, it is not a reliably stocked item. The company has shown a willingness to test the product, but regular inventory is not guaranteed. For those committed to buying pea milk, it is best to treat any Costco sighting as a limited-time opportunity and to use the methods mentioned above to verify local availability. In the meantime, Costco provides several other excellent plant-based milk options that are consistently available for bulk purchase. To check for Ripple's general availability outside of Costco, you can visit their website and use their store locator.
Visit the official Ripple Foods website
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of pea milk does Costco carry? Costco has carried the Ripple brand of pea milk during its limited-time test runs.
Is pea milk sold at Costco year-round? No, pea milk is not a regular, year-round item at Costco. Its availability is typically part of regional or seasonal test runs.
Did Costco stop selling Ripple pea milk? Availability is inconsistent. While past test runs have concluded, Ripple may return at any time in a new region or as a seasonal item.
Can I buy pea milk from Costco online? Online availability is also inconsistent. You can check the Costco website or Instacart for potential listings, but this does not guarantee in-store stock.
How much does pea milk cost at Costco? Prices vary by location and time. During its 2020 test run, a three-pack of 48-ounce Ripple milk was priced around $8.99 in the Midwest.
Why does Costco only sell pea milk sometimes? Costco frequently uses regional and limited-time tests to gauge customer interest in new products before committing to broader distribution.
Are there any other vegan milks available at Costco? Yes, Costco regularly stocks a variety of vegan milks, including almond, oat, and soy milk from the Kirkland Signature brand and others.
