Tag Archives: pepsi

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.

Image by DAMILARE ODUNUYI from Pixabay

Pepsi Blue returns!

Get ready! Pepsi Blue is making a triumphant return!

The last time we saw Pepsi Blue, Usher had three of the top 25 songs of the year. Nickelback had the 17th best Billboard hits song. “Everybody Loves Raymond” was the top sitcom. “Shrek 2” was the highest-grossing movie.

What was the year?

2004.

Apparently, “passionate Pepsi Blue fans have been clamoring for the return of their beloved berry cola” for years, Pepsi said, according to the USA Today.

The company recently released Pepsi Mango, which is amazing.

Of course, I need a return of Crystal Pepsi. Preferably a zero sugar Crystal Pepsi!

Pepsi Next is no more — officially

It’s true.

My favorite Pepsi drink to hit shelves since Crystal Pepsi is no more.

As you’ll recall, last week, I discovered — thanks to a manager at a Rite Aid I frequent often — that Pepsi Next had been discontinued.

I reached out to Pepsi and received the following response:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us at PepsiCo.
Regarding your question, Pepsi Next is not currently available. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Please know that I will forward your sentiments to our senior management team to be sure that they fully understand your position.

Regards,
Caitlin
Senior Consumer Relations Representative

It’s not available in the United States, but I’ve determined it apparently still is available in Canada (of course, because they all of the cool stuff).

Dear Pepsi: Please bring back Pepsi Next … or use that recipe for your regular Pepsi product. I won’t tell anyone!

Pepsi Next no more?

To those anti-cola people out there, stop reading this. For everyone else, continue.

In the decades old Cola War, I’m Team Pepsi.

Always have been. Always will be.

Like many Americans, I’ve searched for a pop that offers less calories but a similar taste to that of a regular cola.

In 2012, I found my answer.

Pepsi Next was born, and was touted with less sugar content, fewer calories but with a great cola taste.

And it’s true. Since then, I’ve grabbed for Pepsi Next in the coolers.

But today, when I reached into the Pepsi cooler at the Rite Aid across from where I work, a manager there told me it was the last bottle of my favorite drink. He and another manager placed their orders for Pepsi products, but were told that it had been discontinued.

I wept. I sobbed. I knocked over the Coca-Cola cooler and watched that awful tasting drink flood the floor. Hey, I bet it could clean the floor!

Just kidding — I didn’t do any of that. But I was sad to learn the drink apparently has been discontinued.

I reached out to Pepsi through a customer form trying to get a response. If I hear back, I’ll update.

While searching the site, I discovered Pepsi Next still very much is part of their website, and I found a map telling me where I could find the drink. Though, I’m assuming changes to the map might not be immediate.

I could find no news links detailing the demise of Pepsi Next. I did, however, find a blog post about Pepsi Canada rolling out a new look for Pepsi Next (green labels, not light blue!).

I’d hate to see Pepsi Next be schlepped away from the United States, only to be available in other countries like Pepsi Lime and Pepsi Twist are now.

For years, I’ve wanted Crystal Pepsi to return, but Pepsi Next has replaced the long-gone clear cola.

If Pepsi Next has died in the U.S., this might be the last 20-ounce bottle I ever drink:

IMG_5057

Please excuse me as I now run to the grocery stores stockpiling 2-liter bottles.