Who Founded Pepsi? The Story of the Brand Born in a Pharmacy

Pepsi, one of the world’s largest soft drink producers, was founded by Caleb Bradham. Its story actually began in a pharmacy in North Carolina in 1893, and this beverage was officially registered and offered for sale under the name “Brad’s Drink” on August 28, 1898. Caleb Bradham, as a chemist and pharmacist, developed this special formula in the soda fountain of his own pharmacy.

From “Brad’s Drink” to Pepsi-Cola: The Transformation of Name and Brand

The name of the beverage, which was sold under the name of its creator for a while, was later changed inspired by the name “Pep Kola”, for which Caleb Bradham bought the naming rights for 100 dollars. There are two main scientific sources of inspiration behind the brand taking the name “Pepsi-Cola”:

1. A digestive enzyme called pepsin.
2. The medical term dyspepsia, which means “indigestion.”

Bradham, having prepared this cola with the meticulousness of a pharmacist, first offered it for sale under the name of a “health elixir” to provide ease of digestion and give energy.

2012 Formula Change: 4-MEI Substance and Caramel Color

Pepsi, which is produced and bottled in many countries today, has a massive market share worldwide. However, one of the most talked-about events in the brand’s history is the formula change in 2012.

Due to laws in the U.S. state of California, the issue of placing warning labels on products came to the agenda because the 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) substance found in the caramel coloring carried a potential cancer risk. Pepsi and Coca-Cola updated the ratio of caramel coloring in their formulas to avoid using this label. Although this change did not affect the taste of the beverage, the dark caramel tone of the drink lightened slightly.

Pepsi’s Historical Success and Global Power

Bradham, who officialized the Pepsi-Cola Company in 1902 shortly after its founding, managed to transform the brand from a pharmacy drink into a global icon. Especially the pricing policies implemented during the economic crisis of the 1930s and the “Pepsi Challenge” taste tests in the 1970s played a key role in the brand reaching its current massive size.