Pepsi fans flabbergasted to discover it had different name and meaning behind new one
Pepsi has gone through a series of name changes over the years, and some fans of the brand are stunned by the intention behind its current moniker.
Pepsi was invented in 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham and was initially known by customers of the sugary beverage as “Brad’s Drink”.
At the time, Bradham was operating a soda fountain in his drug store that was based in North Carolina. Among his most popular drinks was Brad’s Drink, which was composed of sugar, lemon oil, kola nuts, caramel, nutmeg, water and additional additives.
In 1898 the name of the drink was changed to Pepsi Cola. By the time 1903 came around, the soda was selling in large quantities in North Carolina pharmacies.
The word Cola was dropped from the moniker in 1961 so the drink's name was more focused on its health benefits – helping digestion and increasing energy.
As the fizzy drink was created to promote digestion and boost energy, Pepsi’s name comes from the word dyspepsia, which means indigestion.
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Social media users have been caught off guard by the meaning of the brand's name, many of them sharing their confusion online.
“I was today years old when I learned that,” wrote one user on social media, per The US Sun. Another wrote: “I had no idea.”
Just months ago, Pepsi announced that a popular product won’t be returning to shelves.
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Despite this, loyal fans, craving its spicy cinnamon flavor, are asking for Pepsi Fire to make a comeback.
In 2017 the drink was released in the US for a limited time of eight weeks, but has been discontinued since then. At the time of its release, Pepsi encouraged fans to “get it while it’s hot”.
Back in 2017, Lauren Cohen, the director of marketing at Pepsi said: "Summer is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and Pepsi Fire is going to ignite this season with an unexpected and spicy twist to our classic cola taste.”
