Costco Just Made This Switch After 13 Years, and Members Are Divided

Costco customers don't like change. And now it looks like they'll have to contend with a major shakeup. The Food Court's beloved $1.50 hot dog combo is getting a mini makeover, and that's not all.

The warehouse club recently revealed that the decade-plus deal with Pepsi is over, and Coke will take its place. What do members have to say about this soda switcheroo? We scrolled through socials to see how shoppers reacted to the news, and it looks like there's only one thing they can agree on: everyone wants to save money.

So if you're looking for ways to get more out of your Costco membership, keep reading for important info on the Pepsi versus Coke Food Court fiasco.

Why did Costco switch from Pepsi to Coke?

Way back in 2013, Pepsi snagged the Costco Food Court soda fountain contract away from Coca-Cola. At the time, Vice President of Food Services for Costco, Alan Bubitz, told BevNET, It's a big shift. They're the only vendor we've ever had for the majority of the business locations." Bubitz added, "You're not going to be able to please everybody. It's our job to preserve the integrity of the price point."

Fast-forward 13 years, and with Pepsi's contract at its end, Coke is ready to make a Costco comeback. In 2025, at Costco's annual shareholders' meeting, CEO Ron Vachris said, "We will be converting our Food Court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola."

While Costco does not disclose the financial details of its vendor contracts, it appears that Coca-Cola undercut Pepsi this time around.

Did every Costco club switch soda brands?

Yes, every Costco club is going to make the changeover. But that doesn't mean the rollout will happen everywhere at the same time.

Costco started introducing Coke products in Food Courts across the country in late 2025 with the goal of completing the switch by early 2026.

Costco members have waited for the switch

According to recent data from Statista, Coca-Cola beats Pepsi with 60% of survey respondents choosing the brand. In comparison, only 48% picked Pepsi as their top selection.

Clearly, soda drinkers are hardcore Team Coke or Team Pepsi. And this could make the change challenging for some Pepsi fan members. But you aren't alone if Coke is your drink of choice.

Prior to the switch, one Costco Redditor posted, "I wish Costco would replace Pepsi with Coke in the food courts." User and store employee Amos_Dad responded, sharing their view of the 2013 Coke-to-Pepsi transition: "Can confirm. I was working in the FC when it happened. Did people lose it. You'd think we raised the hot dog price to $27 the way they freaked out."

Most Costco members are happy about the switch

When news of the new contract hit social media, Redditors rejoiced, with one writing, "Yay! Finally!" and another posting, "Nice. I prefer Coke to Pepsi."

On the Costco subreddit Pepsi to Coca-Cola switch megathread, user plaintainbakery gushed, "I LOVE Coke, won't drink Pepsi, so I'm so happy about this. I've been wondering when they were going to actually make the switch. And they have Coke Zero, my favorite!"

Redditor keto_and_me made a bold statement, "I am a Diet Coke junkie and if a restaurant only has Pepsi products I will have water instead," and PerfectlyElocuted added, "Same, except I usually opt for unsweetened tea instead. I cannot abide Diet Pepsi."

Some Costco members prefer Pepsi

Even though there are plenty of cheers for a Coke revival at Costco, some members aren't thrilled about the change.

Costco redditor PrimaryAccounting9162 mused, "End of an era." Even though others seemed to lament the loss, the pro-Pepsi comments were few and far between.

Some Costco customers didn't care either way

While some members have very definite opinions on the Pepsi-versus-Coke switch, others refused to pick a side.

Redditor cat61 complained, "I just wish they had a bigger variety of sodas, no matter the supplier," and user jimlahey2100 added, "I don't care what brand soda they go with as long as someone new is put in charge of maintaining the machines and ordering the supplies. My Costco is always out of a flavor of syrup, and one of the two machines is always broken."

How long is Coke going to stay at Costco's Food Court?

As of now, there's no word on how long Coke is going to stay as the staple Food Court beverage. Pepsi's contract lasted 12 years (it started in 2013 and Costco announced the switch in 2025). Based on that figure, Costco clubs could have Coca-Cola products through 2038.

Are other beverages available at Costco?

The Food Court soda fountain features more than just plain Coke. Along with classic Coke, members can enjoy a range of Coca-Cola-branded products, including Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Barq's Root Beer (availability could vary by location).

Bottom line

Don't worry, this switch won't affect the $1.50 hot dog-soda combo. Whether you're a Pepsi person or a Coke connoisseur, Vachris promised, "The hot dog price will not change as long as I'm around" last March.

Looking for something other than Pepsi or Coke? Skip the Food Court completely and shop Costco's bulk buys. Everyday deals on iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, and other beverages make it easy to keep more cash in your wallet.