Wegmans dumps popular pop brand

Say goodbye to W Pop.

Wegmans will no longer carry its store-brand pop (or “soda”), the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported.

The company said the popular drink does not fall into the characteristics of Wegmans’ “Food You Feel Good About” mantra. The long-standing belief at Wegmans avoids artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

In a statement, the Rochester, New York-based Wegmans said it is “discontinuing Wegmans Brand Soda because it contains artificial ingredients like aspartame and high fructose corn syrup. We are committed to our mission of helping customers live healthier, better lives through exceptional food, and we want you to feel confident in our Wegmans Brand products.“

Over the years, it offered competitive flavors — including Dr. W, Mountain W and Cola (and Diet Cola).

The company hadn’t shelved cans of W Pop in quite a while. But 2-liter bottles were on shelves as of this month.

In a statement to WROC-TV, Wegmans said it “will not be producing any additional Wegmans Brand soda, and anticipate selling through our current inventory within the next week,” according to RochesterFirst.com.

At one time, the pop’s popularity was dynomite.

Wegmans launched its “Food You Feel Good About” effort in 1991 as part of a “commitment of great taste with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives,” the company says on its website.

Since 2014, Wegmans says it offers more than 2,000 Wegmans items that meet its “Food You Feel Good About” standards — noting that nearly 90% of all Wegmans brand items are “Food You Feel Good About.”

The company did not say whether it will replace W Pop with a healthier drink. It offers a store-brand sparkling water and continues selling Pepsi and Coke products.

If you’re looking for a very sugary pop, check out the Sheetz-brand pop.