KFC switches from Pepsi to Coca-Cola after 40 years across U.S

Get ready for a major change at the drive-thru window. KFC is ending a roughly 40-year relationship with PepsiCo to bring Coca-Cola products into every U.S. location. The transition starts in January 2027, and Coke will fill every soda fountain across the country by spring 2027. PepsiCo actually bought KFC in 1986 and kept the exclusive pouring rights even after spinning the fried chicken chain off into Yum Brands in 1997. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, this brings down the curtain on one of the longest-running partnerships in fast food history. “This partnership is about more than what’s in the cup,” said KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie, calling the deal another step in evolving the brand. Alongside the soda switch, KFC is testing new iced coffees, boba, and shakes at Open House, its new innovation restaurant in McKinney, Texas. Do not worry about PepsiCo just yet because the soda giant is not fizzing out completely. PepsiCo remains a partner for Yum Brands and recently renewed agreements covering Taco Bell and KFC restaurants outside the U.S., including a 10-year deal with Taco Bell. For your next lunch run, the taste of your combo meal is about to get a very different fizz. Check your local counter next year to see if your favorite drink made the cut before the big switch.