Frank Rondel
KFC is switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola after nearly 40 years, ending one of America’s longest-running fast-food beverage partnerships. The change will begin in January 2027, with Coca-Cola drinks reaching U.S. restaurants by spring, as reported by customreceipt.com.
The company confirmed the agreement on October 15, 2026. The decision affects approximately 3,600 restaurants and marks a significant victory for Coca-Cola in the American fast-food market.
When Will KFC Start Serving Coca-Cola?
The transition will take place gradually, allowing restaurants to replace existing beverage equipment and introduce new products.
According to the official Coca-Cola announcement, the rollout follows this schedule:
| Key detail | What customers should know |
|---|---|
| Announcement | October 15, 2026 |
| Transition begins | January 2027 |
| Nationwide completion | Spring 2027 |
| Previous supplier | PepsiCo |
| New supplier | Coca-Cola |
| International KFC locations | PepsiCo partnership continues |
Customers can expect Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta to replace familiar PepsiCo beverages, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Starry.
However, individual restaurants may introduce their new selections at different times.
Why Is KFC Ending Its Pepsi Partnership?
The relationship began in 1986, when PepsiCo acquired KFC. Although the restaurant business was spun off in 1997, the beverage agreement survived.
Now, KFC’s Coca-Cola partnership forms part of the chain’s broader turnaround strategy.
KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie described the agreement as an opportunity to modernize the customer experience.
“This partnership is about more than what’s in the cup.”
The company has also been updating its menu, expanding value offerings and experimenting with new drinks.
As Reuters reported, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Will KFC Still Serve Pepsi Outside the United States?
Yes. KFC international restaurants will continue their PepsiCo beverage partnerships.
The American transition does not mean Pepsi products will disappear from KFC restaurants worldwide.
For U.S. customers, however, KFC’s Pepsi era ends in 2027. The new agreement also gives Coca-Cola another major restaurant partner in its long-running competition with PepsiCo.
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