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. Hundreds of people are filling the tiny container with food and drinks.
The Rise of the Mini Bucket on Social Media
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. “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.
Creative Uses for the Mini Bucket
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. 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.”
Sales and Response from Lowe’s
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
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 from Lowe’s has taken the internet by storm, with its affordable price and versatility making it a hit among social media users. Its ability to be used for both hot and cold foods and drinks has made it a staple in many households. As the trend continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Lowe’s and other companies respond to the demand for mini merchandise.
FAQs
Q: How much does the mini bucket cost?
A: The mini bucket without the lid costs $1.48, and the one with the lid costs $1.98.
Q: What is the mini bucket made of?
A: The mini bucket is made of BPA-Free Food-Grade Polypropylene.
Q: How many mini buckets has Lowe’s sold?
A: Lowe’s has sold over 100,000 mini buckets in the last week alone.
Q: Is the mini bucket only for cold foods and drinks?
A: No, the mini bucket can be used for both hot and cold foods and drinks.
Q: Are there any other companies selling similar mini merchandise?
A: Yes, Trader Joe’s has sold mini-tote bags and mini-cooler bags, which were very popular among customers.
