Costco gives Pepsi a major cold shower in the U.S.: its members are in shock

For a large chain like Costco, even small changes can have a huge impact. Even more so if they affect one of the most beloved rituals for their members: the affordable food court menu. For just $1.50, millions of people have enjoyed for years the hot dog and soda combo, a symbol of the chain's commitment to quality and savings.

However, this summer, something has changed. Something many considered untouchable now comes with a new flavor. So, the everyday gesture of pouring a drink at the Costco fountain has changed in an unexpected way.

Coca-Cola returns and Pepsi is out of Costco's menu in the United States

The news has been confirmed: Costco has stopped serving Pepsi in their food courts. In its place, Coca-Cola has once again taken that iconic spot it hadn't held for more than ten years. The change, which already began to be implemented last July, will be extended permanently to all the chain's food courts in the fall.

This shift isn't new, but it is unexpected. In 2013, Costco had chosen to replace Coca-Cola with Pepsi as part of a strategy to keep the price of the famous combo low. Now, current CEO Ron Vachris has decided to reverse that decision. In his words: "This summer we'll convert our food court fountain business back to Coca-Cola."

On platforms like Reddit, the topic has sparked a flood of reactions. Some users have shared photos and experiences from stores in California, New Jersey, or Virginia where the change is already visible. Opinions are divided: while some celebrate the return of the classic flavor, others regret saying goodbye to Pepsi, proving that brand loyalty can be as emotional as it is rational.

The change coincides with a new Coca-Cola formula

Coca-Cola's return to Costco comes at a key moment for the company. In the United States, this soda is about to change its formula: instead of corn syrup, it will start using real cane sugar. This decision was announced by President Donald Trump himself, who claimed to have reached an agreement with the brand.

Trump, through his account on Truth Social, stated that this is an improvement for American consumers. "It'll be a very good move on their part. It's simply better!" he wrote, referring to the new sweetener that's already common in countries like Mexico, Australia, or the United Kingdom.

Not everyone applauds the move. The Corn Refiners Association has warned that the measure could have negative consequences for the food industry, affecting jobs, farm income, and encouraging imports without clear nutritional benefits. Even so, Coca-Cola has moved forward and has expressed their enthusiasm for this transformation.

For Costco members, the experience of their visit changes more than it seems. Some celebrate the return of the "authentic Coca-Cola," while others still miss Pepsi. In any case, the controversy is already on the table.