Where did Pepsi get its name from? 

Ever seen anyone gulfing down an aerated drink to soothe a heartburn? If yes, that’s because it is thought to be a common home remedy for indigestion. In fact, Pepsi, your favourite soft drink was originally marketed as a digestive aid. Interestingly, the name ‘Pepsi’ was chosen after ‘pepsin’, a digestive enzyme found in our body.  

The naming of Pepsi 
Created by Caleb Bradham, an American pharmacist, at his drugstore in North Carolina in 1893, Pepsi was first introduced as ‘Brad's Drink’. A few years later in 1898, hoping to duplicate the success of Coca-Cola (which started in 1892), Bradham renamed his cola-flavoured carbonated beverage Pepsi-Cola. Decades later in 1961, the name was shortened to Pepsi. 

But why Pepsi-Cola? Cola meant ‘cola’ flavour and Pepsi was the name chosen after the digestive enzyme ‘pepsin’. Since the drink was advertised to relieve ‘dyspepsia’ (or indigestion), the name sounded perfect to Bradham.  

What is Pepsin? 
Pepsin is a stomach enzyme that helps to digest proteins in the food you eat. It breaks down different proteins in your food, aiding the process of digestion. The enzyme was first discovered in 1936 by Theodore Schwann.  

Fun facts 
Let us tell you some more interesting facts about Pepsi: 

• Bradham’s neighbour, an artist, designed the first Pepsi logo. The first Pepsi logo closely resembled that of Coca-Cola’s swirly red script. There have been 11 Pepsi logos since then.  
• The Pepsi colours, red, white and blue, were introduced to represent the American flag.  
• Like most global brands, Pepsi has tried different formulas in different markets around the world you may have never heard of. It has also sold limited edition flavours of the drink during holidays and other special events. For example, you will be surprised to know that in Japan, Pepsi flavours have included azuki bean, strawberry milk, shiso, cucumber, baobao tree fruit, yogurt, salty watermelon and sakura (blossoms of a cherry tree). 
• In 1970, Pepsi was the first soft drink company to use two litre bottles. 
• Do you know Pepsi has an official mascot in Japan known as Pepsiman? The design of the Pepsiman character is attributed to Canadian comic book artist Travis Charest, created sometime around the mid-1990s. 
• Do you know the Japanese made a game inspired by Pepsiman for the original Playstation? In the game, Pepsiman featured a character avoiding obstacles to deliver Pepsi to thirsty bystanders.