Costco Makes Big Food Court Change Leaving Shoppers Divided

Costco’s decision to switch its food court beverages from Pepsi to Coca-Cola has ignited a wave of reactions online, turning what might seem like a simple menu change into a cultural flashpoint.

The rollout began in early July, and by Tuesday, members across the country were weighing in. On Reddit, some customers lamented the move, with one writing that “Pepsi tastes like flat Coca Cola” and another insisting, “Hot dogs don’t taste the same anymore without Pepsi.” One post on X captured the frustration more dramatically: “If this isn’t a sign of the apocalypse then I don’t know what is.”

Not everyone was upset. Others cheered the return of Coke products, with one X user writing simply, “Coke is so much better.” The change is set to be fully in place across all Costco food courts by fall, according to the company.

Costco CEO Ron Vachris first signaled the shift back in January, saying the warehouse club would be “converting our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola” during the summer. Costco has carried Pepsi products since 2013, when it last made the switch.

The food court, while a relatively small part of Costco’s sprawling operation, plays an outsized role in member loyalty. Cheap staples like pizza, hot dogs, and soda often lure customers into stores and keep them coming back.

For many, though, this was about more than just soda. Manhattan-based psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert explained the backlash to FOX Business by noting that “Coke vs. Pepsi has always been a cultural dividing line, like Yankees vs. Red Sox or Apple vs. PC.” He added, “People attach memories, family traditions, and even a sense of who they are to a brand. So when Costco suddenly took sides, it triggered a reaction far bigger than soda itself.”