Introduction to the Mini-Bucket Phenomenon
To find the internet’s hottest food and drink container, head to the hardware store.
Lowe’s “0.4-quart BPA-Free Food-Grade Polypropylene Mini bucket” is selling for under $2 in-store and online, and has caught the attention of social media.
The Rise of Mini-Buckets on TikTok
Hundreds of people are filling the tiny container with food and drinks. These videos — with some people surprising their husbands by serving them drinks in the container and others making their morning cup of Joe in it — have garnered millions of views. Denny’s has even joined in on the fun, and ice cream shops have served sundaes in them, too.
Creative Uses for the Mini-Buckets
“IDK what Lowes’ intentions for the mini bucket was but I think [this] is the best idea yet,” wrote one TikToker in the caption of her video making an iced pumpkin spice latte in the container. One TikToker brought the itty-bitty bucket to their local Starbucks to take advantage of the chain’s personal cup policy and delighted the baristas with their choice of drinking vessel. “BEST $1.98 IVE EVER SPENT,” the TikToker wrote. As far as pricing goes, the bucket without the lid is $1.48, and the one with the lid is $1.98.
Versatility of the Mini-Buckets
And it’s not just for sweet treats: One person noted their “dad puts his boiled eggs in them to take to work,” and another said it is the “Perfect size for soups.” Lowe’s says it has sold over 100,000 of them in the last week alone. “Now that (mini Lowe’s buckets are) available in a food-grade version, we’re excited to see the different ways customers put them to use, including the food and drinks they serve in them,” Jen Wilson, SVP and CMO at Lowe’s, tells TODAY.com.
Comparison to Similar Mini Merch
Trader Joe’s Mini Merch
Lowe’s is following in the teeny-tiny footsteps of Trader Joe’s and its viral $2.99 mini-tote bags, which first came out in March 2024, sold out instantly and were listed on resale sites for black market-like prices. The grocer then restocked them that September. Trader Joe’s came out with $3.99 mini-cooler bags in June of last year, which had a similar fate of quickly selling out, being resold for more, then restocked a month later. This week, Trader Joe’s confirmed to TODAY.com that its mini totes are returning to shelves on Oct. 8 in Halloween-themed colors.
Conclusion
The mini-bucket phenomenon has taken the internet by storm, with people finding creative ways to use the tiny containers for food and drinks. With its affordability and versatility, it’s no wonder that the mini-bucket has become a sensation on TikTok and beyond.
FAQs
- Q: How much do the mini-buckets cost?
- A: The bucket without the lid is $1.48, and the one with the lid is $1.98.
- Q: Where can I buy the mini-buckets?
- A: The mini-buckets are available for purchase in-store and online at Lowe’s.
- Q: What are some creative ways to use the mini-buckets?
- A: Some ideas include using them for soups, boiled eggs, iced coffee, and sundaes.
- Q: Are the mini-buckets food-grade?
- A: Yes, the mini-buckets are made of BPA-Free Food-Grade Polypropylene, making them safe for use with food and drinks.
