Supermarket Majorly Discontinues Pepsi Max: Customers Mourn and Express Outrage
In a move that has caused a significant stir among its fans, Costco has removed Pepsi Max from its food court drink machines in both the USA and the UK. This change, part of a corporate switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola, started rolling out in early July 2025 and is expected to be complete by fall 2025 across all Costco warehouses.
The decision was announced by Costco's CEO, Ron Vachris, in January 2025, marking the end of a partnership with Pepsi that had been in place since 2013. The switch coincides with heightened attention on Coca-Cola in the market, partly due to public discussion of Coca-Cola's possible switch to cane sugar as a sweetener.
The reaction among customers has been mixed but notably enthusiastic among Coca-Cola fans and some Costco insiders, who are "buzzing" about the return of Coca-Cola products to Costco food courts. However, regular visitors who consider Pepsi Max a favourite may find the change disappointing.
Social media posts from TikTok and Instagram indicate widespread awareness and conversation among consumers about this change. Some Pepsi Max fans have expressed their disappointment, with comments such as "I'm devo about it, I'm sorry since when was Coke a replacement for Pepsi Max?" and "Costco what have you done."
Despite this, Costco's food court continues to offer a variety of food and drink options. Customers can now choose from Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Fanta, and Sprite. However, a trip to Costco food court may feel incomplete for many without Pepsi Max.
This change is part of a strategic decision by Costco's leadership, likely influenced by lowered prices from Coca-Cola. After a period where Costco reportedly pulled all Coke products, the beverage giant reduced its prices, allowing for the switch back. A post from the Costco Insider Instagram page confirmed the switch back to Coca-Cola products.
Costco first switched from Coca-Cola to Pepsi in 2013, in order to keep their famous hot dog and drink deal at the low price of £1.50. The company has 29 stores across England, Scotland, and Wales, with plans to open more sites in the future.
In summary, Costco’s removal of Pepsi Max is part of a corporate switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in food court drink machines, generating considerable consumer interest and some debate on social media. While some fans of Pepsi Max are disappointed, the move is likely to be welcomed by Coca-Cola fans and those who appreciate the lower prices offered by the beverage giant.
This change in Costco's food court drink machines, swapping Pepsi Max for Coca-Cola products, has sparked lively discussions on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Amidst the enthusiasm of Coca-Cola fans and Costco insiders, food-and-drink lovers who favor Pepsi Max might find this switch somewhat disheartening as they navigate their lifestyle choices. In the entertainment realm, this corporate switch is creating an intriguing plot, reminiscent of a blockbuster movie script, filled with twists and turns.
