There’s nothing like taking a trip to your local Costco and grabbing a delicious hot dog and drink combo for only $1.50. It’s one of the many perks of being a member at the warehouse. However, the chain is getting more strict this year, ensuring that non-members stay out of Costco’s food court.
While members are excited to know that the perks they subscribe to are only for them, the new policies will add an extra step to their shopping experience.
Towards the end of 2025, the bulk warehouse chain started implementing a swap from Pepsi products to Coke, bringing back the beloved soda brand.
According to an insider, “Costco originally made the switch to Pepsi in 2013 as a cost-saving measure, in order to keep the price of their famous hot dog and combo at $1.50. At the time, Pepsi was offering Walmart a better pricing deal that Costco couldn’t match. When Costco asked Coke for the same pricing, Coke refused, leading Costco to pull all Coke products from their stores for an entire month.”
Shoppers are thrilled to have Coke back in the machines instead of Pepsi. But that’s not the only change that Costco’s food courts are making. Along with that swap, “Costco is rolling out membership-verification technology at its food courts that will require customers to show a valid membership card before ordering food, something select locations have already started testing, and that could become more widespread in 2026.”
Some stores have dealt with the new technology since 2024, with some members sharing their experience on Reddit.
“Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court,” the sign in the image says. “You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details.”
While some locations have witnessed the new tech, members at other locations will surely start seeing this popping up around their local stores. While it might be an inconvenience, this is an added reassurance that the paying members only are receiving the benefits. “We don’t feel it’s right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our memberships,” Costco said in a statement, according to Audacy.
With Costco only growing in its membership numbers, especially with the younger generation, it’s important that only paying members get the full benefits.