Pepsi

Guide Note

Pepsi is one of the world's most popular soft drinks, first concocted in the 1890s by Caleb Bradham. The drink achieved widespread popularity during the Great Depression with the 10-ounce bottle. Each bottle cost a nickel at the time.

Fast Facts

1. Developed in 1890s
2. Invented by Caleb Bradham
3. Produced by PepsiCo
4. Second highest selling cola, behind Coca-Cola Classic

Several theories exist for the possible origin of the name "Pepsi." "Pepsi-Cola" is an anagram for the word "Episcopal," which may make reference to the Episcopal Church across the street from Bradham's drugstore where the drink was invented. The PepsiCo company postulates that it may have come from a competitors brand named "Pep Kola," which Bradham purchased in the early 20th century.

Though Coca-Cola has continually been the world's top-selling carbonated beverage, Pepsi has made several efforts to assert dominance in the soda market. In 1975, Pepsi created the "Pepsi Challenge," asking consumers to choose which product they liked better in blind taste tests. Though the two products are similar, Pepsi is typically sweeter than Coke.

• "Pepsi Cola hits the spot. Twelve full ounces, that's a lot"
• "Be Sociable, Have a Pepsi"
• "Come Alive, You're in the Pepsi Generation"
• "The Choice of a New Generation"
• "Gotta Have It"
• "It's the Cola"
• "Taste The One That's Forever Young"