The Discontinuation of Fast Twitch
In late 2024, the manufacturer of Fast Twitch, Gatorade, made the strategic decision to discontinue the entire product line. This announcement marked the end of the energy drink's market presence. The discontinuation took effect in December 2024, meaning that by October 2025, any remaining stock has long been depleted.
This move has had a direct impact on all retailers that previously sold Fast Twitch, including Costco. The product's removal from the market is the primary reason it is no longer available. While it was once a staple for many looking for a performance-enhancing, zero-sugar drink, consumers must now look for alternatives.
Why Did Gatorade Discontinue Fast Twitch?
- Strategic Repositioning: Manufacturers often streamline their product offerings to focus on their core competencies or new, more promising ventures.
- Market Performance: The product may not have met sales expectations or could have been underperforming in a crowded energy drink market.
- Product Overlap: There may have been overlap with other Gatorade products, leading the company to consolidate its offerings to avoid internal competition.
- Supply Chain Changes: Changes in ingredients, packaging, or supply chain costs can sometimes lead to the discontinuation of a less-profitable product.
Costco's Previous Availability and Bulk Offers
Before its discontinuation, Fast Twitch was a popular item at Costco, known for its affordable bulk pricing. Customers could find the energy drink in specific variety packs, which included flavors like Cool Blue, Strawberry Watermelon, and Tropical Mango. The bulk purchase option was a significant draw for customers looking to stock up on their favorite energy drinks.
Costco carried the product both online and in its physical warehouses. The online product page for the variety pack, which was once active, now either redirects or shows that the item is out of stock indefinitely. In-store, the product was also removed from the beverage aisles in alignment with the manufacturer's final shipment dates. As a result, searching for the drink in a Costco today will yield no results.
What to Buy Instead: Costco Energy Drink Alternatives
With Fast Twitch no longer on the shelves, customers can explore several other energy and sports drink options that Costco continues to carry. These alternatives offer similar benefits like caffeine boosts, hydration, and electrolytes, though with different nutritional profiles and flavor options. Here is a list of popular energy drink alternatives at Costco:
- Red Bull: A classic energy drink available in bulk packs.
- Monster Energy: Known for its wide variety of flavors and formulations.
- Celsius: A popular, often zero-sugar alternative with thermogenic properties.
- C4 Energy: Pre-workout energy drinks often available in bulk.
- Other Gatorade Products: While Fast Twitch is gone, Costco still carries various packs of standard Gatorade Thirst Quencher.
- Kirkland Signature Sports Drinks: Costco's own brand offers a more budget-friendly option for sports hydration.
Fast Twitch vs. Current Costco Energy Drinks: A Comparison
For those who miss Fast Twitch, here is a comparison to help find the next best fit among Costco's current offerings.
| Feature | Fast Twitch (Discontinued) | Red Bull | Celsius | Gatorade Thirst Quencher | Monster Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability at Costco | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Caffeine | 200mg | 111mg (12oz can) | 200mg | 0mg | 160mg (16oz can) |
| Sugar | Zero Sugar | 27g (8.4oz can) | Zero Sugar | Varies, typically high | Varies |
| Electrolytes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Vitamins | B6, B12 | B group | B group, Vitamin C | No | B group |
| Focus | Athletic Performance | General Energy | Fitness/Thermic | Hydration | General Energy |
The Verdict on Does Costco Sell Fast Twitch?
The short answer is no, Costco no longer sells Fast Twitch. The energy drink was discontinued by Gatorade, and as a result, it was removed from all retail channels, including Costco's warehouses and online store. The last available stock would have been sold in late 2024. If you were a fan of the bulk deals on Fast Twitch, you will need to find a new favorite among Costco's extensive selection of energy drinks.
Conclusion
While it's disappointing for fans of the product, the fact remains that Costco no longer sells Fast Twitch due to a manufacturer-wide discontinuation. For those seeking an energy boost, electrolytes, or a specific flavor profile, Costco's shelves are still full of other viable alternatives. Explore the current options from brands like Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, and more to find a suitable replacement for your pre-workout or daily energy needs. The spirit of the bulk-buy energy drink lives on, just in a different package.
Important Outbound Link
For confirmation on the product's fate, you can refer to the manufacturer's related communications. Tebow from Team Supernova on X discussing Fast Twitch discontinuation
