Since 2013, Costco food court regulars have been sipping on Pepsi products while enjoying their famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. However, a significant shift is on the horizon for 2025, as reports indicate the warehouse giant is preparing to end its decade-long partnership with PepsiCo and return to serving Coca-Cola products at its food courts worldwide.
What the switch means for Costco members
The anticipated change will bring a fresh lineup of beverage choices to Costco’s food court menu. Members can expect to see Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Root Beer replacing current offerings like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Starry. This transformation marks a return to Costco’s pre-2013 beverage selection when Coca-Cola products were the standard at food court fountains.
Most importantly for budget-conscious shoppers, the beloved $1.50 hot dog and soda combo price point isn’t expected to change with this switch. Costco has maintained this iconic price despite inflation and changing partnerships, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining value for members.
Behind the scenes of the beverage industry change
The decision to switch beverage providers typically comes down to contract negotiations and cost considerations. Soda companies bid competitively for exclusive distribution rights, with pricing being a crucial factor in these agreements. For large-scale operations like Costco, maintaining single-brand partnerships helps secure better pricing and streamline operations.
The transition is expected to roll out gradually across Costco’s global network of warehouses. Similar to the previous switch in 2013, implementing this change across more than 800 locations worldwide will likely take several months to complete.
Member reactions and expectations
Social media has been buzzing with member reactions to the news. Some customers have expressed excitement about the return of Coca-Cola products, with many noting they had reduced their food court beverage purchases after the switch to Pepsi. Others are hopeful that Dr Pepper might be included in the new beverage lineup.
What if Costco introduced a seasonal rotation of specialty Coca-Cola products, similar to their rotating food court menu items? This could potentially include limited-time offerings of international Fanta flavors or specialty Coca-Cola variations, adding an element of excitement to the food court experience.
Timing and implementation of the change
The transition is scheduled to begin in early 2025, following the expiration of Costco’s current contract with PepsiCo. Members should expect to see changes happening at different times depending on their location, as the rollout will be coordinated across the warehouse chain’s extensive network of locations.
During the transition period, some locations may temporarily experience limited beverage selections as they switch between suppliers. This methodical approach ensures a smooth changeover while maintaining service to members.
As 2025 approaches, Costco continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt while maintaining its commitment to member satisfaction and value. The return to Coca-Cola products represents not just a change in beverage options, but a reflection of the company’s ongoing efforts to respond to member preferences while managing operational costs effectively. Whether this switch will impact food court traffic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo will continue to be a staple of the Costco food court experience, regardless of what’s flowing from the fountain.
