The meaning of the name Pepsi goes way beyond a fizzy drink that provides an energy boost.
The popular soda that was first invented in 1893 as Brad's Drink by pharmacist Caleb Bradham was created in part to promote digestion.
Now, people are shocked to learn that Pepsi's name comes from the word 'dyspepsia' - aka indigestion - and the help he drink offers on that gastrointestinal condition.
Pepsi was invented by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898 as a way to promote digestion and provide and energy boost
Pepsi is currently the second most valuable soft drink brand worldwide before Coca-Cola - the soda that is part of the long-standing rivalry called the cola wars
'I was today years old when I learned that,' wrote one user on social media via The US Sun, and another wrote, 'I had no idea.'
Bradham had been operating a soda fountain in his North Carolina drug store, serving drinks he created himself.
The most popular drink he'd sell was Brad's Drink - a soda that was a mix of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, kola nuts, nutmeg and other additives.
He changed it to Pepsi-Cola in 1898, and by 1903, the soda syrup was selling like crazy in pharmacies across North Carolina.
Pepsi was specifically out there only to promote digestion, its first slogan being 'Exhilarating, Invigorating, Aids Digestion' in 1903.
Bradham dropped the Cola from the name in 1961 so that the drink could reflect the health benefits of the beverage.
Bradham's soda was a mix of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, kola nuts, nutmeg and other additives when first invented.
Some people claimed Pepsi was actually named after pepsin - the chief digestive enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins.
Another theory is that when Bradham originally changed the name to Pepsi-Cola, it was because of how it's an anagram for Episcopal.
Episcopal is not a drink additive, but it is the denomination of a large church from across the street from Bradham's store.
PepsiCo denied the coincidental anagram being the reason for the name change. Now, drinkers know the real reason behind the company's name.
English (US) ·