First Ladies—just like us! Especially when they take a casual stroll down the aisles of a local warehouse store like Costco. On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Michelle Obama was spotted at a Bay Area Costco in Livermore, California, near San Francisco.
The sighting quickly went viral, and while it’s unclear if the former First Lady did any actual shopping, she certainly made waves by endorsing a product on the warehouse’s shelves.
Holding up a case of Plezi Fizz, a healthier beverage option for children, Michelle Obama proclaimed to the crowd, “It’s healthy. It’s a healthy drink. Low calorie and it tastes good!” This endorsement, however, was far from random. Mrs. Obama, known for her work on healthy eating and combating childhood obesity during her time as First Lady, is one of the co-founders of Plezi, a beverage company that focuses on offering kids healthier alternatives to traditional sugary drinks.
Michelle Obama and Plezi Fizz: A Natural Partnership
Plezi Fizz is a drink designed for children aged six and up, offering a sweet, flavorful beverage without the high sugar content typical of sodas and fruit juices. The carbonated versions of Plezi Fizz come in popular flavors like cherry limeade, lemon-lime, and strawberry lemonade. The company also offers non-carbonated juice boxes, available in a variety of flavors, including fruit punch, blueberry blast, orange smash, and apple smash.
The drink not only aims to satisfy kids’ cravings for something sweet but also to provide a healthier alternative that parents can feel good about. Plezi Fizz contains less sugar than traditional children’s beverages, and it is fortified with fiber and other nutrients that growing kids need. This aligns perfectly with Michelle Obama’s legacy of advocating for healthier lifestyles, particularly when it comes to the nutrition of young people.
A Surprise Endorsement Goes Viral
As soon as Michelle Obama held up that case of Plezi Fizz, the crowd in the Costco warehouse began to grow. Soon, a video of the endorsement made its way to social media, where it quickly gained traction. The clip, originally shared by Shake and Stir Co., a mobile bartending company based in Contra Costa, California, showed Obama casually mingling with shoppers while promoting Plezi Fizz.
Although this was a promotional event, the former First Lady’s down-to-earth demeanor and approachability shone through. She was not flanked by a large entourage or attempting to create a spectacle; instead, she was simply speaking about a product she believes in, making her appearance all the more special to those lucky enough to witness it.
TikTok users, as expected, went wild over the video. “I would have thought I was hallucinating,” commented one user, while another remarked, “She is just casually there like she isn’t a part of American history?!” Many locals expressed their regret at missing out on the rare opportunity to see such an iconic figure in such an ordinary setting. “Why am I shedding actual tears that I wasn’t there?” one emotional fan wrote.
But the appearance wasn’t just a social media spectacle—it also had a practical impact. Some TikTokers admitted they were persuaded to try Plezi Fizz based on the endorsement alone. “Those drinks are pretty good, it’s like [an] apple juice version of Poppi,” shared one user. Another added the beverage to their virtual shopping cart, commenting, “Let me go ahead and add to cart.”
A History of Healthy Choices
Michelle Obama’s latest visit to Costco isn’t the first time she’s made headlines at the popular warehouse store. Back in November 2018, she appeared at a Costco in California alongside Ellen DeGeneres to promote her memoir, Becoming. The book, which became an instant bestseller, details Mrs. Obama’s life growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her time in the White House, and her efforts to create a healthier future for America’s children.
During that appearance, Ellen DeGeneres hyped up the crowd with a megaphone, announcing the First Lady’s presence in the store, and shoppers lined up eagerly to get their books signed. Michelle Obama, as always, greeted fans with her characteristic warmth and charm, making personalized connections with as many people as possible.
The event wasn’t just about books, though—the duo couldn’t resist sampling some of Costco’s signature items, including a big pack of cookies and Kirkland-brand wine.
The 2018 event further solidified Michelle Obama’s place as a relatable public figure who understands the everyday experiences of Americans. Whether she’s promoting a book, advocating for healthier eating, or simply enjoying a snack, Mrs. Obama has a way of connecting with people that feels genuine and authentic.
The Future of Books at Costco
While Mrs. Obama’s 2018 book signing at Costco was a huge success, it’s worth noting that future book signings at the warehouse chain may soon be a thing of the past. In a surprising move, Costco announced earlier this year that it plans to stop carrying books year-round after the 2025 holiday season.
This decision comes at a time when the publishing industry is already struggling, and many view Costco’s announcement as a major blow to authors, especially those who rely on the store’s high foot traffic for book sales.
For shoppers who enjoyed browsing Costco’s shelves for the latest bestsellers, this news is disappointing. However, while books may soon disappear from the aisles, plenty of healthy snacks and beverages—like Plezi Fizz—will continue to be in stock. So, while Costco may no longer be the go-to destination for book signings and literary events, it will still offer plenty of other products that align with the former First Lady’s vision of a healthier America.
A Lasting Impact
Michelle Obama’s advocacy for healthier food choices has left a lasting mark on the country, and her involvement with Plezi Fizz is a continuation of that work. From her Let’s Move! campaign, which aimed to combat childhood obesity, to her efforts to improve the quality of school lunches, Mrs. Obama has always been a champion for better nutrition. Plezi Fizz, with its lower sugar content and added nutrients, fits seamlessly into this mission.
Her surprise appearance at Costco not only promoted the drink but also reminded people of her ongoing commitment to public health. By offering children a fun, tasty, and healthier alternative to sugary drinks, she is once again showing that good health doesn’t have to come at the expense of enjoyment.
As shoppers look forward to more potential surprise appearances in the beverage aisle, one thing is clear: Michelle Obama’s influence continues to be felt in ways big and small. Whether she’s in the White House or a Costco warehouse, she remains a powerful advocate for making healthy choices easier for everyone—especially the next generation.
And as more kids sip on Plezi Fizz, they’re getting a little taste of that mission with every gulp.