Vistar dropped Alani Nu and Celsius from their catalog, PepsiCo took over Celsius distribution, and the sourcing path that worked 18 months ago no longer works. Here is where to actually buy these products in 2026 depending on how many machines you're running.
Celsius is a top-3 velocity item at gyms, offices, and college campuses. Alani Nu has strong demographics in fitness-adjacent placements. If you can't source them consistently, your planogram suffers. This is a sourcing map for operators at different stages — 1–3 machines up through 15+ machine routes.
Celsius distribution in 2026
PepsiCo completed its Celsius distribution partnership in late 2023 and has been the primary distribution channel since. What this means for operators:
- PepsiCo direct account: The right path for operators with 10+ machines who can commit to regular case volume. Contact your local PepsiCo distributor (find via PepsiCo's dealer locator) and open a commercial account. Celsius is available at roughly $1.10–$1.40/can in case quantities, which leaves real margin at a $3.50–$4.00 vend price.
- Authorized PepsiCo distributors: Some regional distributors carry Celsius as part of their PepsiCo account. Check with your local beverage distributor — not all carry it, but many do since the PepsiCo deal.
- Costco / Sam's Club: Celsius 18-packs are consistently available at both chains at $1.10–$1.30/can. For operators running 1–5 machines, this is the most reliable source without the minimum-order overhead of a distributor account.
Alani Nu: where it went and where to get it
Alani Nu was dropped by Vistar and has not returned to most broadline vending distributors as of mid-2026. It is also not in PepsiCo's catalog. Current sourcing options:
- Sam's Club (Business Plus membership): Alani Nu 12-packs are available at Sam's Club in most markets. Case cost approximately $1.15–$1.35/can. For operators near a Sam's Club, this is the primary path.
- Restaurant Depot: In metro areas with Restaurant Depot access, Alani Nu appears intermittently — usually seasonal or tied to a promotional cycle. Not reliable as a primary source but worth checking.
- Walmart in-store or pickup: Individual units or small multipacks for supplemental restocking when Sam's is out. Margins are thinner but the convenience is real for gap-filling.
- Direct from Alani Nu: Alani Nu does not currently operate a vending operator wholesale program, but their website sells bulk multipacks that beat single-unit pricing. Best for 1–2 machine operators who can't justify a Sam's membership.
Sourcing strategy for operators under 50 cases per month
If you're running fewer than 5 machines, distributor accounts with minimum-order requirements don't make economic sense. The right strategy: Costco or Sam's Club as primary, supplemented by Walmart pickup for gap items. A Sam's Club Plus Business membership ($110/year) pays for itself quickly if you're buying $300+ in product per month. The per-unit savings versus Walmart are typically $0.20–$0.40/item, which adds up fast across a multi-SKU restock.
Why to avoid Alibaba and import routes for energy drinks
Import energy drinks through Alibaba or similar channels are a real category — and a real risk. FDA import rules require specific labeling, caffeine disclosure, and origin documentation for beverages. Operators have had products flagged during health inspections for non-compliant labeling on imported drinks. For a market where a single location complaint can end your placement, the $0.30/unit savings are not worth the compliance risk.
VendBuddy's inventory analytics shows you landed cost vs. vend price by SKU so you can compare your current source against alternatives and find where your margins are leaking.
Try VendBuddy free →FAQ
Where can I buy Celsius for my vending machine in bulk?
For 1–5 machine operators: Costco or Sam's Club at $1.10–$1.30/can in 18-pack or case quantities. For 10+ machine operators: open a PepsiCo direct commercial account or go through an authorized PepsiCo distributor. PepsiCo completed its Celsius distribution partnership in 2023, making them the primary wholesale channel.
Where can I buy Alani Nu for vending machines after Vistar dropped it?
Sam's Club (Business Plus membership) is the most consistent source in most US markets. Restaurant Depot carries it intermittently in metro areas. For operators without Sam's access, Alani Nu's website sells bulk multipacks that beat single-unit retail pricing.
Do I need a distributor account to source drinks for my vending machines?
Not until you're running 5+ machines consistently. Below that volume, the minimum order requirements and account setup overhead of distributor accounts don't justify themselves versus Costco or Sam's Club. At 5–10 machines, start exploring a PepsiCo direct relationship for top-velocity items like Celsius and Gatorade.
Related: Vistar vs Costco vs Sam's Club, best vending machine products to stock, top-selling vending items by region, restocking efficiently, vending costs and profit breakdown.