Is Brad's Drink okay?

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November 20, 2025

Original photo by RTimages/ iStock Pepsi was originally called 'Brad's Drink.' 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. 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.

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

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

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

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

Numbers Don't Lie Pepsi logos since the company changed its name 16 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 Pepsi logos since the company changed its name 16 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

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.

Today's edition of Interesting Facts was written by Michael Nordine and edited by Bess Lovejoy.

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