Costco’s switch from Pepsi back to Coca-Cola in its food courts is underway nationwide. Coca-Cola machines are popping up in stores this summer after CEO Ron Vachris announced the change in January.
Rumors Costco planned to drop Pepsi beverages circulated last year — with angry shoppers saying on social media that the switch was the ‘worst decision’ Costco had ever made. But since the rollout began , customers are expressing delight. ‘I LOVE Coke, won’t drink Pepsi so I’m happy about this,’ a Reddit user wrote.
‘This is actually bringing me all the joy,’ another person commented. A third added that their local store switched weeks ago: ‘About time! I hate Pepsi and not even had Mt Dew.’
Reddit reports of new Coca-Cola machines have come from California, Idaho, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Florida. Coca-Cola had been a staple in Costco food courts for decades before the chain switched to Pepsi in 2013.
Customers have been divided over changes to Costco’s food courts. Earlier this year, members went into a frenzy after Reddit users claimed the retailer had quietly hiked food court prices .
Members were also divided on a new ‘overpoweringly sweet’ Frozen Strawberry Lemonade . The $2.99 beverage launched in June, replacing the chain’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Other shoppers lamented the disappearance of the $1 churros , which had become a fan favorite, while some called for the comeback of Costco’s Signature Combo Pizza Costco’s Signature Combo Pizza .
Outside its food courts, Costco has made headlines recently for changing its store operation times . The retailer’s new policy allows its Executive members to shop an hour earlier than its regular Gold Star members.
The policy change left Executive customers overjoyed — but some employees were nervous about how it could increase their workload. The retailer is also planning to open its first standalone gas station in the spring of 2026.
Unlike its usual gas setups outside warehouse stores, this station will operate solo. It will feature 40 gas pumps and cater exclusively to Costco members. Meanwhile, Costco members are still upset that it’s rotisserie chicken now comes in plastic bags.
The company switched from selling its ready-cooked chicken in plastic containers to plastic bags last year, which is continuing to anger shoppers. Shoppers still say they ‘hate the chicken in bags.’
