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Costco swaps soda for water in $1.50 combo

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Costco added a 16.9-ounce Kirkland water to its $1.50 hot-dog combo, replacing the 20-ounce refillable soda and marking the first combo change in over 40 years.
The water option is rolling out in California, Nevada and Virginia stores, with a nationwide rollout schedule pending.
Only active Gold Star ($65) or Executive ($130) members can buy the combo, which CEO Ron Vachris said will stay at $1.50 while he is around.

History

Historical Context

Costco introduced its $1.50 hot-dog and soda combo in 1984 and has kept the price unchanged, selling about 135 million hot dogs annually by 2018. Co-founder Jim Sinegal warned in 2009 that raising the price would mean his death, a stance echoed by CEO Ron Vachris in 2024 as the chain tests its low-price model.

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Story summary

Costco added a 16.9-ounce Kirkland water to its $1.50 hot-dog combo, replacing the 20-ounce refillable soda and marking the first combo change in over 40 years.
The water option is rolling out in California, Nevada and Virginia stores, with a nationwide rollout schedule pending.
Only active Gold Star ($65) or Executive ($130) members can buy the combo, which CEO Ron Vachris said will stay at $1.50 while he is around.

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