Story perspectives

Kroger Pulls Red Bull From All U.S. Stores

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 11:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kroger Halts Red Bull

Kroger stopped selling Red Bull at all its U.S. stores and fuel centers.
The retailer removed Red Bull coolers and displays on August 31, 2026.
Kroger continues to stock other energy drinks such as Monster, Alani Nu, Bloom, Rockstar and NOS.
Delaware banned energy drinks, including Red Bull, in middle and high schools statewide.
Lake Forest Superintendent Dr. Steven Lucas said the ban will not greatly affect district operations.

Summary

Foran Curbing Costs

Greg Foran, Kroger’s new CEO, pledged to curb supplier price hikes.
He warned vendors they cannot “use inflation” to boost sales during a Sept. 11 conference call.
He plans to expand the Smart Way private-label line from about 130 to 1,000 items.
Kroger will close 60 stores by end-2026, with about 40 already shuttered, as part of cost-cutting.

History

Historical Context

Red Bull’s 250-ml cans contain about 80 mg of caffeine—roughly double the 34 mg in a typical cola and above many national limits. After Denmark barred the drink in 1997 and several countries introduced age-restriction rules, U.S. regulators have tightened labeling. Kroger’s decision on 31 August 2026 to drop Red Bull follows this decades-long regulatory scrutiny.

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Kroger Halts Red Bull

Kroger stopped selling Red Bull at all its U.S. stores and fuel centers.
The retailer removed Red Bull coolers and displays on August 31, 2026.
Kroger continues to stock other energy drinks such as Monster, Alani Nu, Bloom, Rockstar and NOS.
Delaware banned energy drinks, including Red Bull, in middle and high schools statewide.
Lake Forest Superintendent Dr. Steven Lucas said the ban will not greatly affect district operations.

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