Pepsi Fans Shocked to Discover the Drink’s Original Name

Whether you’re a staunch Coke enthusiast or typically avoid soft drinks, Pepsi’s iconic red, white, and blue logo is universally recognizable. However, fans of Pepsi are now questioning if the brand would have achieved its immense success if it had retained its original name.

Pepsi, often seen as a product of contemporary fast-food culture, was actually created in 1893. Caleb Bradham, a young pharmacist from New Bern, North Carolina, began experimenting with various drink recipes, using friends and patrons at his soda fountain as test subjects.

In 1898, Bradham developed a formula consisting of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare oils, and cola nuts, which received enthusiastic approval from his samplers. He initially named the drink “Brad’s Drink” after himself.

Realizing that “Brad’s Drink” lacked market appeal and did not indicate the beverage’s contents, Bradham sought a more marketable name. According to the Encyclopedia of Pepsi-Cola Collectibles, he wanted a name that reflected the drink’s refreshing qualities and its supposed ability to invigorate.

Bradham eventually settled on the name Pepsi-Cola, purchasing the name Pep Kola from a competitor. The name “Pepsi” was derived from Bradham’s belief that the drink aided digestion similarly to the enzyme pepsin, although Pepsi never actually contained pepsin.

Modern Pepsi fans were surprised and amused to learn of the drink’s original name. Sharing the revelation on social media, one user wrote, “I just learned that Pepsi was originally called ‘Brad’s Drink’ so anyway I’m going to be reeling from that for a week or so.” The user added that she discovered this fact while browsing Pepsi’s Wikipedia page and initially thought it was a prank.

Another commentator joked, “Next you’ll be telling me Coca-Cola was originally named Chad.” Some fans humorously expressed a desire for a “cool fizzy glass of Brad” or “diet Brad” if they’re watching their calories.

The discovery has sparked a lighthearted conversation online, with many marveling at how a simple name change could have influenced the brand’s trajectory.