The energy drink industry has been dominated by the same big players for decades.
But one Canadian company just made a move that caught everyone off guard.
And AWAKE Chocolate picked the perfect moment to partner with Costco and it could change everything.
AWAKE Chocolate makes its big American debut at Costco
AWAKE Chocolate has been building a loyal following north of the border for over a decade.
The Canadian company founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Adam Deremo, Matt Schnarr, and Dan Tzotzis has been perfecting their caffeinated chocolate formula.
Now they’re making their biggest push into the American market with an exclusive partnership with Costco.
Starting today, August 8, and running through October 31, Costco members can get their hands on AWAKE’s exclusive 32-count Dark Chocolate Variety Pack.¹
The variety pack features their popular Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Salted Almond bites for $12.99.
Each bite packs 50 milligrams of caffeine – about half a cup of coffee’s worth – while keeping calories low at just 60-70 per serving.
AWAKE CEO Adam Deremo said that partnering with Costco was a dream come true for the company.
"We’re incredibly excited to bring AWAKE to Costco locations in the United States for the first time; this is a major milestone in our mission to make energy more accessible, enjoyable, and delicious," Deremo explained. "Costco’s loyal and health-conscious members are a perfect match for our better-for-you snacks, and we’re thrilled to offer shoppers a smarter way to energize their day."²
The timing couldn’t be better for AWAKE’s American expansion.
Americans are consuming more caffeine than ever before.
Daily caffeine intake has jumped 27% in the last decade with 69% of Americans getting at least one caffeinated source per day.³
Smart strategy puts AWAKE ahead of the competition
AWAKE isn’t just another energy product trying to muscle into an oversaturated market.
The company positioned itself as the first functional chocolate brand when energy drinks and energy shots dominated the caffeine market.
While competitors focused on synthetic caffeine and artificial ingredients, AWAKE built their brand around Fairtrade chocolate and simple, clean ingredients.
All AWAKE products are free from artificial colors and flavors, certified gluten-free, and kosher.
Their dark chocolate varieties are Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan friendly.
AWAKE’s Costco debut will start with 52 locations across the Southeast United States.
The company plans to expand to Los Angeles in September.
Their Milk Chocolate Variety Pack featuring Caramel and Peanut Butter will hit Costco Canada West this August.
AWAKE could shake up the entire energy market
The energy market has been crying out for disruption.
Traditional energy drinks are loaded with synthetic caffeine, artificial ingredients, and enough sugar to make your dentist cringe.
Energy shots taste like medicine and cost a fortune.
AWAKE found a different approach by combining great taste with functional benefits.
The chocolate format makes it feel like a treat instead of a supplement.
CEO Deremo said their goal was simple – make customers smile while giving them the energy they need.
The company offers everything from individual bites to full chocolate bars.
All their products deliver consistent caffeine levels so customers know exactly what they’re getting.
That’s a big advantage over coffee, where caffeine content can vary wildly depending on the brewing method and bean type.
Costco’s health-conscious members are exactly the demographic AWAKE needs to reach.
The warehouse club’s bulk-buying model works perfectly for AWAKE’s portion-controlled bites.
Members can stock up for months while getting better value than buying individual packages.
Perfect timing for caffeine innovation
AWAKE’s Costco launch comes at exactly the right moment.
Americans are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional energy drinks and shots.
The functional food market is exploding as consumers demand products that do more than just taste good.
AWAKE bridges the gap between indulgence and function.
You get the satisfaction of eating chocolate with the practical benefit of sustained energy.
No crash, no jitters, just smooth caffeine delivery wrapped in premium Fairtrade chocolate.
The company spent over a decade perfecting their formula and building their brand in Canada.
Now they’re ready to take on the massive American market with a proven product and a strategic retail partner.
Costco’s stamp of approval carries serious weight with American consumers.
The warehouse club is notoriously selective about which products make it onto their shelves.
Getting that coveted Costco placement validates AWAKE as a serious player in the energy market.
Whether they’re powering through an afternoon slump, gearing up for a long commute, or just craving something sweet with benefits, Americans now have a sophisticated alternative to the same old energy drinks.
AWAKE Chocolate just changed the game.
¹ AWAKE Chocolate, "AWAKE Caffeinated Chocolate Makes Delicious Debut in U.S. Costco Warehouses," PR Newswire, August 8, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Ibid.










