Costco’s Switch Back to Coca-Cola Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Customers

Costco food courts have decided to make a significant change by switching back to Coca-Cola after more than ten years of serving Pepsi. This decision has caused a stir among customers since the switch to Pepsi back in 2013. The recent move has once again ignited mixed reactions from the public.

Customers Divided Over the Switch

Costco's decision to return to Coca-Cola products in its food court has triggered a wave of responses online. While some customers are excited about the nostalgic return to Coke, others are expressing their disappointment over losing Pepsi. The debate over which soda pairs best with Costco's famous $1.50 hot dog and soda combo is ongoing.

Reactions from Customers

One customer expressed their enthusiasm by saying, "We're so back," indicating their excitement for the change. Another customer mentioned, "That $1.50 hotdog and drink is about to get a lot more visits from me," showing anticipation for the switch. A third customer added, "Hot dog and drink gonna hit different now," emphasizing the impact of the beverage choice.

On the other hand, some customers remain loyal to Pepsi and are disappointed by the switch. A TikToker stated, "That sucks, love coke and Pepsi, but Costco hotdog/pizza and Pepsi go hand in hand," highlighting their preference. Another customer shared, "I've always been more of a Coke guy but idk if there's anything better than Costco pizza with Pepsi," showcasing their dilemma. Additionally, another customer mentioned, "Shoutout to the handful of us who prefer Pepsi over Coca-Cola. This one hits the feels a little bit. Costco hot dog and an ice cold Pepsi belong together!" expressing their sentimental attachment to Pepsi.

Confirmation from Costco CEO

Costco CEO Ron Vachris confirmed the switch back to Coca-Cola during the company's annual shareholder meeting. Vachris stated, "This summer, we will be converting our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola," officially announcing the change.

The decision to introduce Pepsi in 2013 and now revert to Coke reflects Costco's efforts to maintain the integrity of their offerings while considering customer preferences. Despite the mixed reactions, this move marks another win for Coca-Cola in the beverage industry, where it holds a significant market share compared to Pepsi.

With Coke Classic leading the US carbonated soft drink market with a 19.2% share and Pepsi at 8.31%, the rivalry between the two beverage giants continues to shape consumer preferences. The shift back to Coke signifies a strategic move by Costco to cater to varying customer tastes and preferences.

As the beverage landscape evolves, the choice between Coca-Cola and Pepsi at Costco's food court remains a topic of debate among customers. Whether you prefer the classic taste of Coke or the refreshing flavor of Pepsi, the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo at Costco continues to be a favorite among shoppers.

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By: rrommen@insider.com (Rebecca Rommen)
Title: Costco’s Switch Back to Coca-Cola Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Customers
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/costco-food-court-pepsi-coca-cola-mixed-reactions-x-tiktok-2025-1
Published Date: Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:33:17 +0000