Pepsi was originally called ‘Brad’s Drink.’

Original photo by RTimages/ iStock

Pepsi has been nearly synonymous with cola for more than a century, but it wasn’t always called that. We have pharmacist Caleb Bradham to thank for the bubbly beverage, as well as its original name: Brad's Drink. Believing that his concoction had digestive benefits, Bradham sold it at his pharmacy in New Bern, North Carolina. Brad’s Drink didn’t last long, however — it was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898.

Pepsi is the bestselling soft drink in the U.S.

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That honor belongs to its fierce rival, Coca-Cola, which consistently outsells Pepsi. In fact, in 2025, Pepsi came in fourth, behind Coke, Dr. Pepper, and Sprite.

The new name was partly derived from the word “dyspepsia,” a technical term for indigestion, and was meant to convey the tasty beverage’s supposed medicinal properties. Bradham trademarked the name in 1903, and the company grew exponentially over the next few years, with 240 franchises opening across 24 states by 1910. Pepsi isn’t the only major company to undergo a name change, of course — 7-Eleven used to be known as Tote’m Stores, Nike was founded as Blue Ribbon Sports, and Canon was originally called Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory, among others.

Numbers Don't Lie

Pepsi logos since the company changed its name

Calories in a 12-oz. can of Pepsi

150

Soda consumption (in gallons) per capita in the U.S., as of 2020

40.4

PepsiCo’s 2020 net revenue worldwide

$70.37 billion

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In 1989, Pepsi paid ______ $5 million to appear in a commercial that was quickly taken off the air.

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In 1989, Pepsi paid Madonna $5 million to appear in a commercial that was quickly taken off the air.

Dr. Pepper used to be served warm.

Dr. Pepper used to be advertised as a hot holiday drink, a response to declining sales in the winter months. The original ad from the 1960s even came with helpful instructions: Simply warm the beverage in a saucepan until it steams, then pour it over a lemon slice. The result was a “distinctively different hot Dr. Pepper” and “the holiday favorite of the proud crowd,” per the festive commercial. Heating the drink to 180 degrees Fahrenheit eliminated the carbonation, leaving behind a sweet, flat flavor that was especially popular in the South.