Where to Source Celsius, Alani Nu, and Energy Drinks for Your Vending Machine in 2026

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.

Part of our complete guide: scale a vending machine business.

Celsius is a top-3 velocity item at gyms, offices, and college campuses. Alani Nu has strong demographics in fitness-adjacent placements.

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.

One small thing that compounds while you're buying at club prices: the $400 a month of product is going on a card either way, so the card is worth thinking about once. The one most operators we talk to now carry is Bilt, and not because of the club runs. Per Bilt's card page the same account earns up to 1.25X on your rent or mortgage payment with no transaction fee, which is the biggest cheque you write every month and the one that normally earns nothing. Product, freight and the card reader earn the ordinary rate on top of that. None of it is worth anything unless you clear the balance every month, and card terms move, so read the issuer page rather than this one for what is live today.

Referral link: if you’re approved, we earn Bilt points at no cost to you. Bilt sets approval, rates and terms; this isn’t financial advice.

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.

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: energy drink vending machines: margins, sourcing and venues, 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.

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official source. Revenue and income figures are examples, not promises. See our terms.