The wholesale giant is rolling out Coke fountains across its 600 U.S. warehouses and nearly 300 overseas locations, while a presidential push for cane sugar adds extra fizz to the debate.
Costco is ditching Pepsi and pouring Coca‑Cola once more—news that has members cheering, health experts hedging, and soda lovers everywhere asking, “Is my local warehouse next?” The move, already under way since early July, revives a partnership that ended in 2013 and promises fresh options such as Sprite and Minute Maid alongside the chain’s $1.50 hot‑dog combo.
Costco’s nationwide fountain switch signals a dramatic soft‑drink shake‑up for members
The Seattle‑based retailer confirmed at January’s shareholder meeting that every U.S. food court will transition back to Coca‑Cola products this summer. According to a weekend statement to Fox Business, the rollout “began across all Costco warehouses” at the start of July and extends to 14 countries. Fans on social media have greeted the news with emojis, memories of “old‑school Costco Coke,” and a few playful jabs at Pepsi. What’s coming out of the new dispensers?
- Coca‑Cola Classic
- Diet Coke
- Coke Zero Sugar
- Sprite
- Minute Maid Lemonade
Expect to see updated signage and red‑and‑white cup designs as crews replace remaining blue Pepsi fountains over the next few weeks. Here’s a quick timeline to keep the details straight:
| Key date | What happened | Who said it |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | Plan to reinstate Coca‑Cola announced | CEO Ron Vachris |
| Early July 2025 | Fountain change begins chain‑wide | Costco statement |
| July 23, 2025 | Cane‑sugar plea on Truth Social | President Donald Trump |
| Ongoing | Recipe switch unconfirmed | Coca‑Cola spokesperson |
Trump’s cane sugar plea raises recipe questions the soda giant hasn’t answered
Just days after the rollout surfaced, President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that he convinced Coca‑Cola to sweeten U.S. beverages with “REAL cane sugar.” Bold promise, but is it real? Coca‑Cola thanked the president for his enthusiasm yet stopped short of confirming any recipe overhaul.
So—should shoppers expect classic cane‑sugar Coke in their red cups? For now, the company says “more details… will be shared soon,” leaving curious members to sip and wait.
Nutrition experts caution health improvements remain slim despite the high‑profile beverage flip
Even if a cane‑sugar formula materializes, don’t bank on major health gains. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University’s Food is Medicine Institute explains that cane sugar and high‑fructose corn syrup are both roughly half fructose and half glucose, leading to “identical metabolic effects.” Translation: moderation still matters. Nevertheless, the switch may appeal to taste‑focused members who missed Coke’s signature flavor over the past decade.
Costco’s decision restores a fan‑favorite soda lineup, adds marketing buzz, and stirs political and nutritional debate—all before the last Pepsi nozzle is gone. Keep an eye on your local warehouse, sip responsibly, and stay tuned for any recipe revelations.