KFC Ditches Pepsi for Coke: A Sweet Switch
KFC's US restaurants will switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola beverages, marking a change after decades of loyalty.
KFC's US restaurants have stuck with PepsiCo for decades, but that's about to change. The fried chicken chain is switching to Coca-Cola beverages, a move that's been in the works for some time.
KFC's loyalty to Pepsi dates back to when PepsiCo acquired the chain in 1986. At the time, KFC was Coca-Cola's second-largest fountain account, but PepsiCo's dominance in the soft drink market led to a long-term partnership.
The switch is a significant blow to PepsiCo, which has been struggling with sluggish sales and decreasing margins. Coca-Cola, on the other hand, gets a big win with the addition of KFC's 4,000 US locations.
KFC's international markets have already served Coca-Cola products, but this marks the first time the chain's US restaurants will carry the iconic brand's drinks.
Why it matters
This switch matters because it's a significant blow to PepsiCo's struggling business and a win for Coca-Cola's efforts to expand its reach.
What's next
The switch is set to take place next year, with KFC's US restaurants making the change to Coca-Cola beverages.
How the story unfolded
- Yahoo Finance PepsiCo Was Just Dealt Another Blow by Coca-Cola
Read the original reporting
- WSJ – How Coke Loosened Pepsi’s Grip on KFC’s Soda Fountains ↗
- CNBC – KFC to switch to Coca-Cola beverages in U.S. restaurants for the first time in decades ↗
- Yahoo Finance – PepsiCo Was Just Dealt Another Blow by Coca-Cola ↗
- Yahoo Sports – Louisville basketball to honor Kenny Klein with banner at KFC Yum Center ↗
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Frequently asked questions
What happened with KFC?
KFC's US restaurants will switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola beverages, marking a change after decades of loyalty. PepsiCo and KFC have a decades-long partnership that's ending
When did the KFC story break?
FlashFeed published this brief on October 21, 2026. The earliest report it draws on, from Yahoo Sports, is dated October 19, 2026.
What should I know about KFC?
Coca-Cola will become the official beverage provider for KFC's US restaurants KFC's US locations will ditch PepsiCo for Coca-Cola drinks
Why should readers care about KFC?
This switch matters because it's a significant blow to PepsiCo's struggling business and a win for Coca-Cola's efforts to expand its reach.
What happens next with KFC?
The switch is set to take place next year, with KFC's US restaurants making the change to Coca-Cola beverages.
Which outlets reported on KFC?
This brief is based on reporting from Yahoo Sports, WSJ, CNBC and Yahoo Finance. Links to their original stories are listed on this page.
How we made this brief: FlashFeed brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.
