In an increasingly competitive environment, brands have found added services to be an effective way to stand out, build customer loyalty, and generate value beyond the products they sell. An example is Costco, which announced a significant change to its soda fountain in 2025 that could spark divided opinions, as it involves Coca-Cola.

The wholesale retailer has excelled in many parts of the world. According to its report, in 2023, it generated $176.6 billion in revenue from its U.S. operations. In Canada and through its international enterprises, the company generated $33 billion and $32.6 billion, respectively.

What will happen to Costco soda fountain?

According to several social media sources, Costco will replace Pepsi products in its soda fountains with Coca-Cola beverages in the new year.

“After more than a decade, Costco is switching back from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola products in its stores,” the Instagram account Costco Insider posted, adding that the change involves introducing Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, and Sprite instead of Starry.

The rumor was also mentioned on Reddit, where a user claimed their “well-informed source” stated that the change would happen soon.

“Good news for my fellow Costco Diet Coke fans. My well-informed source said ‘early 2025,’” the post read.

Some people in the Reddit comments echoed that the rumor was true, although there has yet to be an official statement from the warehouse. In response, international media outlets have reached out to Costco for confirmation but have received no reply.

Instagram user Ryan Quinlan, creator of the popular account @butthatsmyopinion, claimed in a video that Costco will end its partnership with Pepsi in the new year.

People in the comment sections had mixed reactions, referencing the long-standing Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola debate.

As noted by Costco Insider, the warehouse originally switched to Pepsi in 2013 to cut costs and maintain its hot dog and soda combo at $1.50.

Costco and Coca-Cola had a standoff in 2009 when the retailer pulled all Coca-Cola products for a month. The brand eventually lowered its prices, which allowed the switch to happen again, according to the account.

“Coca-Cola’s focus on the quality of its machines and its partnership with Costco are likely driving the change.”

Other Changes at Costco

This isn’t the only change Costco has made toward the end of the year. Earlier this month, a shopper noticed a sign at their local store showing updates being made to Costco’s muffins.

The bakery is switching to smaller muffins and will no longer offer mixed packs. Instead of mixing and matching two packs of six 35-ounce muffins for $9.99, the warehouses are selling a pack of eight 31-ounce muffins in a single flavor for $6.99.

Additionally, Costco plans to stop selling books in most of its U.S. stores at the start of the year.

In January, Costco will eliminate the popular book section in most of its more than 600 stores.