Re: Controversial new milk cartons (wal-mart, costco): Why not sell milk in bags like in Canada?

Question

I see that some people don't like the new, easier to ship milk carton design being used by Costco and Wal-Mart/Sam's stores. When I was in Canada, I noticed that people buy milk in bags and then put them in plastic containers that are specifically for that purpose. If people could buy milk in bags for less, might they use such a product? Here's the article about the new jugs:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20080630/news_1n30milk.html

Answer 1

I saw a news broadcast where one of the announcers said we didn't like the design of the cartons that we are used to now, we just got used to it.  I think we can get used to the new jug.  A bag would be a big step for me to adjust to, how do you store it in the fridge? How do you pour from it?  I've never actually seen one.

James K:  I think they were designed to be more economical.  More can be shipped meaning less trucks to deliver.  Less labor to move.  Less cost for the costumer.  It's a good step considering all the trouble over prices going up.

Answer 2

I just read the article and looked at the picture - I don't know what peoples problem is with the new design, it looks like a pitcher to me and therefore not that hard to use.  I think the Canadians have an even better, and more environmentally friendly, idea as well.

WA

Answer 3

There is a farm near my parents home that I know used to sell their milk in bags, they live in suburban philadelphia, it was the best milk ever too!!!

Answer 4

LOL! I've never heard of those new jugs before! Those things are monsters!

I'm Canadian, and while some of our variety stores sell jugs, all of our grocery stores sell either a bag of 3 bags (total 4L), or the cardboard cartons (2L, 1L, etc). The bag idea is so easy, and it is so much better on the environment than those big plastic jugs. Plus, every time you pour milk you don't have to lift 4 gallons worth of milk, so it is much easier to pour. And we never get a mess with the bags. Plus, with the bags (being smaller and in a bag rather than hard plastic) you can, quite easily, freeze your milk if you wanted so you can keep your two remaining bags for longer than the expiration date. This is especially handy for bachelors or those who don't drink a whole heck of a lot of milk.

To be honest, I didn't know you couldn't get the bags in the States. Unless those jugs are recylable (and there are effective recylcle programs everywhere milk is sold) I can't see HOW those new big boys can be considered better for the environment!

Answer 5

What's that saying...Don't cry over spilled milk-- if it helps the enviro then good for walmart and costco. I know all the school districts in my area serve their milk in the bags instaed of little carton containers....

Answer 6

Milk in a bag; would that be like the wine boxes I've seen?  I assume they have some sort of easy-pour spout/spigot thing. If I could buy a couple of bags a week & place them in their boxes in the fridge, it would be great!  Certainly better than those lousy dribbley new jugs!  

Those are dreadful!  They require 2 hands to pour from.  I've only bought them once & each time I poured from that thing, it spilled, no matter how much was in the jug. I thought it was just me, but several other folks I've had this discussion with say the same thing.  

I say milk-in-a-bag!