diff --git a/overcooked_simulator/counters.py b/overcooked_simulator/counters.py
index 3f2c5382760da04eb3d9d2091c1db2949822e45a..dfe0b24ed1bc4ff842b4932e4d8c790c697ad67e 100644
--- a/overcooked_simulator/counters.py
+++ b/overcooked_simulator/counters.py
@@ -153,12 +153,9 @@ class Dispenser(Counter):
         )
 
     def pick_up(self, on_hands: bool = True):
-        new_dispensing = self.dispensing.create_item()
-        if self.occupied_by != new_dispensing:
-            old_dispensing = self.occupied_by
-            self.occupied_by = new_dispensing
-            return old_dispensing
-        return new_dispensing
+        return_this = self.occupied_by
+        self.occupied_by = self.dispensing.create_item()
+        return return_this
 
     def drop_off(self, item: Item) -> Item | None:
         if self.occupied_by.can_combine(item):