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Costco has been in the news quite a bit in the last year for making big changes. The brand finally raised membership prices after years of speculation, then required members to scan their membership cards at the entrance, and even limited food court access to members only.
And that’s not the only divisive update that’s come to the food court. Costco swapped out its churros for warm cookies and pivoted from strawberry ice cream cups to chocolate ones. Some fans loved the new products, while others spoke out in protest. Now, another rumored change is about to become official, and opinions are sure to follow.
Costco Is Switching to Coca-Cola Products
For more than a decade, we’ve made it a ritual to head to Costco to do some shopping, then pick up a hot dog and a Pepsi for $1.50—but that combo is changing. Don’t worry: The price isn’t going up. Instead, the warehouse chain is bringing back Coca-Cola products to its popular food court this summer. Let the Coke vs. Pepsi debate begin.
During a recent annual shareholder meeting, Costco’s CEO Ron Vachris confirmed the big news after being asked whether the food court will switch back to Coke. For some, it’s a long-awaited return to form—Costco served Coke products in its food courts until 2013 when it switched to Pepsi.
Instagram’s Costco Insider spilled the tea last month when rumblings started: “After a standoff where Costco pulled all Coke products for a month, Coke lowered [its] prices, allowing Costco to switch back in early 2025. Coke’s focus on machine quality and partnership with Costco [is] likely driving the change.”
Customers have been complaining about the fountains ever since Costco made the switch to Pepsi. On Reddit, posters are hopeful this change will lead to upgraded soda machines. “Hope this means they get new fountain dispensers,” a user posted. “Ever since they switched to Pepsi, two out of three of the dispensers shoot out 50% syrup 50% flat non-carbonated water.”
“I could deal with it if they were kept calibrated. Every time I go it’s too syrupy or light to the point it tastes like water,” said another.
Overall, this announcement has left fans divided. “Thank goodness. Sorry Pepsi, but Coke products taste better,” said a popular comment on the original Costco Insider post. While an opposing opinion declared, “It’s a sad day.” A more recent Costco Reddit thread echoes similar sentiments, with a user stating, “Guess I am the only Pepsi fan. No more food court drinks for me.”
One Redditor added what we’re all thinking, too: “Here’s hoping for Coke Freestyle machines!”
Whichever side of the debate you fall on or which fountain drink you're looking forward to the most, there's no denying the food court remains a must-stop with something for any Costco devotee, no matter the brand listed on the soda machines.
Edited by
Andrea Lobas
Andrea Lobas
Andrea Lobas has been exploring the food industry and media world for the past 15 years. She is an editor and writer for Allrecipes and has worked on projects for Simply Recipes, Serious Eats, The Spruce Eats, and more. Andrea is happy to bring her sense of adventure into home kitchens everywhere, trying each and every new trend along the way.
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