Costco shoppers are enraged over an incoming change to food court menus after social media sleuths revealed the switch earlier this week.
“After over a decade, Costco is switching back from Pepsi to Coke products in their stores. The change will bring Coke, Coke Zero, and Diet Coke, as well as Sprite instead of Starry,” Instagram account @CostcoInsider wrote in a Dec. 18 post. “Costco originally made the switch to Pepsi in 2013 as a cost-saving measure to keep their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo,” the post explained. “But after a standoff where Costco pulled all Coke products for a month, Coke lowered their prices, allowing Costco to switch back in early 2025. Coke’s focus on machine quality and partnership with Costco are likely driving the change.”
A Reddit thread posted on Dec. 16 echoed the news, claiming a “well-placed source” said that Coke products will return to Costco food courts in “early 2025.” Several people in the comments reiterated the truth behind the announcement, but Costco has yet to confirm the news. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Men’s Journal.
Related: Costco CFO Has Good News for Fans of the Chain's Beloved Hot Dog Combo Meal
For some, though, even switching soda manufacturers wouldn’t fix Costco’s soda problem. “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,” u/FalconFrenulum wrote.
“Hope this means they get new fountain dispensers,” “u/Remote_Stretch8346 said. “Ever since they switched to Pepsi, two out of three of the dispensers shoot out 50 percent syrup 50 percent flat non-carbonated water.”
“Just add Dr. Pepper as a choice!” u/coolnamealreadytaken opined. “Dr. Pepper and a quality root beer would be more than welcomed,” u/Bizarro_Murphy concurred. “The current selection is absolutely terrible.”
Soda isn’t the only change Kirkland Brand fans can expect in the New Year. In addition to removing books from most of its U.S. stores, Costco will also be making their muffins smaller and (theoretically) less expensive. Whereas a six-pack of the bigger muffins used to cost $9.99, customers will be able to grab an eight-pack of the smaller version for just $6.99 in 2025.
