28 November 2023 , 13:15
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Most of us have a preference when it comes to Pepsi and Coca-Cola, the two best-selling soft drinks on the market. Developed 13 years after Coke hit the shelves in 1886, by the time Pepsi came along, Coke was already selling more than a million gallons a year.
But despite having a huge competitor to take on, Pepsi has gone from strength to strength with a legion of fans. Some people swear they can’t taste the difference between the two but for many, they can only drink one or the other.
And such is the rivalry between the two iconic brands there is even a battle named for them - the Cola Wars. However, despite its demand, many people are only just learning the true meaning behind its name.
The popular soda, like all fizzy drinks, is considered a treat, and advised by medical professionals to be drunk in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Because of this, it’s blowing people’s minds to learn that Pepsi was originally created as a tonic for digestion.
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Originally known as Brad's Drink and created by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1893, it was made from a mix of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, kola nuts, nutmeg, and other additives. In addition to learning its true origins, people may also be surprised to learn that the name Pepsi is also derived from the word 'dyspepsia' - meaning indigestion - and the relief it provides for that gastrointestinal condition.
Bradham initially sold the mixture out of his North Carolina drug store, while also peddling concoctions he'd invented. However, due to its popularity, in 1898, he decided to change the drink to Pepsi-Cola, and in 1903 he trademarked the name.
Sticking to his aim of helping digestion, Bradham created the brand’s first tagline - 'Exhilarating, Invigorating, Aids Digestion'. Now in its 125th year, it has most recently changed to ‘Rise Up, Baby!’ and with a new brand ambassador, Indian actor Ranveer Singh.
There have been a number of urban legends in the food industry, with Pepsi being targeted more than once. One of the most far-fetched was that Bradham first changed the name of the brand to Pepsi-Cola because it is an anagram for Episcopal.
Episcopal is not a drink additive but the denomination of a large church that was across the street from Bradham's original store. After being asked about the potential link to religion, PepsiCo denied it completely.