Costco swaps Pepsi for Coca‑Cola as stores begin offering new beverage lineup
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Some changes are subtle, while others shake up traditions people didn’t even realize they’d grown attached to.
One such change is quietly happening at the Costco food court, where your usual drink order might be in for a surprise.
As the chain rolls out updates nationwide, members are beginning to notice a major shift in what’s flowing from the fountain machines. If soda is part of your Costco ritual, here’s what you need to know before your next visit.
Costco has officially started replacing Pepsi products with Coca-Cola at its food courts across the United States.
The change began in early July and is expected to be completed by fall, following a similar rollout that’s already taken place in Canada.
This move ends an 11-year run of Pepsi beverages, which had been brought in back in 2013 to help the retailer maintain the $1.50 price tag on its hot dog and drink combo. For longtime members, this is more than a menu swap—it’s a full-circle moment that marks a return to the beverage Costco originally served.
Costco hasn’t offered a detailed explanation for the switch, but industry observers point to a mix of strategic business decisions and customer preferences.
Coca-Cola remains the most popular soft drink globally, and its return is likely a calculated move to satisfy demand and possibly refresh the food court experience.
Although neither company has disclosed pricing terms, it appears the beloved $1.50 combo will remain untouched for now.
That price point has become iconic in Costco culture, and this switch seems designed to support it without raising eyebrows—or prices.
Also read: Shopper discovers hidden message near Dollar Tree’s Coca-Cola display—what you need to know now!
If you visit a US location in the coming weeks, you’ll begin to see Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite appearing at soda fountains.
Costco Canada was the first to confirm the update publicly, signaling a phased but definite rollout across North America.
This isn’t the first time Costco has changed its soda lineup in the name of value. Back in 2013, the warehouse club shifted from Coca-Cola to Pepsi to cut costs and maintain its food court pricing.
The move helped Costco avoid passing along inflation to members during a decade of economic ups and downs.
Beyond beverages, Costco is also expanding its footprint globally. With 908 warehouses in operation—625 of them in the US—the retailer is planning to open seven more stores in August, including four in the States.
Recent months have already seen new store launches in South Korea, Sweden, and Midland, Texas. As the company grows, these adjustments to product offerings may reflect broader efforts to align with consumer demand across new and existing markets.
While drinks may come and go, the food court remains a nostalgic and affordable fixture for millions of Costco members.
The hot dog combo, the oversized pizza slices, and the fast-moving lines all contribute to a shared experience that transcends region.
Also read: Is this new product from Coca-Cola going to rock your world? Find out now!
The soda served alongside those staples may be different, but the idea of value, consistency, and familiarity still defines the Costco brand.
Whether you're loyal to Coke or Pepsi, that cafeteria tray will likely keep drawing shoppers in long after the drinks have changed.
Read next: Coke just dropped limited-edition Star Wars cans and fans are buzzing
So, what’s your take on the great soda switch? Are you happy to see Coke back in the mix, or will you miss your go-to Pepsi drink? Does this change impact your food court experience at all—or are you just here for the hot dog and pizza? Join the conversation in the comments below!
One such change is quietly happening at the Costco food court, where your usual drink order might be in for a surprise.
As the chain rolls out updates nationwide, members are beginning to notice a major shift in what’s flowing from the fountain machines. If soda is part of your Costco ritual, here’s what you need to know before your next visit.
Costco has officially started replacing Pepsi products with Coca-Cola at its food courts across the United States.
The change began in early July and is expected to be completed by fall, following a similar rollout that’s already taken place in Canada.
This move ends an 11-year run of Pepsi beverages, which had been brought in back in 2013 to help the retailer maintain the $1.50 price tag on its hot dog and drink combo. For longtime members, this is more than a menu swap—it’s a full-circle moment that marks a return to the beverage Costco originally served.
Costco swaps Pepsi for Coca‑Cola as stores begin offering new beverage lineup. Image source: Jeanson Wong / Unsplash
Costco hasn’t offered a detailed explanation for the switch, but industry observers point to a mix of strategic business decisions and customer preferences.
Coca-Cola remains the most popular soft drink globally, and its return is likely a calculated move to satisfy demand and possibly refresh the food court experience.
Although neither company has disclosed pricing terms, it appears the beloved $1.50 combo will remain untouched for now.
That price point has become iconic in Costco culture, and this switch seems designed to support it without raising eyebrows—or prices.
Also read: Shopper discovers hidden message near Dollar Tree’s Coca-Cola display—what you need to know now!
If you visit a US location in the coming weeks, you’ll begin to see Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite appearing at soda fountains.
Costco Canada was the first to confirm the update publicly, signaling a phased but definite rollout across North America.
This isn’t the first time Costco has changed its soda lineup in the name of value. Back in 2013, the warehouse club shifted from Coca-Cola to Pepsi to cut costs and maintain its food court pricing.
The move helped Costco avoid passing along inflation to members during a decade of economic ups and downs.
Beyond beverages, Costco is also expanding its footprint globally. With 908 warehouses in operation—625 of them in the US—the retailer is planning to open seven more stores in August, including four in the States.
Recent months have already seen new store launches in South Korea, Sweden, and Midland, Texas. As the company grows, these adjustments to product offerings may reflect broader efforts to align with consumer demand across new and existing markets.
While drinks may come and go, the food court remains a nostalgic and affordable fixture for millions of Costco members.
The hot dog combo, the oversized pizza slices, and the fast-moving lines all contribute to a shared experience that transcends region.
Also read: Is this new product from Coca-Cola going to rock your world? Find out now!
The soda served alongside those staples may be different, but the idea of value, consistency, and familiarity still defines the Costco brand.
Whether you're loyal to Coke or Pepsi, that cafeteria tray will likely keep drawing shoppers in long after the drinks have changed.
Read next: Coke just dropped limited-edition Star Wars cans and fans are buzzing
