What is in Pepsi-Cola?

Pepsi-Cola is one of the drinks that trace its root back to the corner drugstore. The formula of Pepsi Cola was created by Caleb D. Bradham, a pharmacist of New Bern in summer of 1893.

Bradham poured a sample of his mixture into a beaker and gave it to his assistant to taste it. Then he saw his assistant’s face light up upon tasting it, Bradham knew he had created a winner. His favorite was ‘Brad’s Drink’.

It was a unique combination of sugar, water, vanilla, caramel, lime juice, phosphoric acid, alcohol and oil (lemon, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, and petit grain).

Bradham believed that his new drink aided digestion similar to the way the pepsin enzyme does. However, Pepsi never contained pepsin. Cola represent the refreshing and invigorating qualities of the drinks.

The name ‘Brad’s Drink didn’t convey the nature of the beverage and he decided to rename it ‘Pepsi-Cola’ in 1898 after pepsin and cola nuts used in the recipe.

In 1898, Caleb Bradham bought the trade name Pep Cola for $100 from a competitor from Newark.

Pepsi didn’t contain any harmful ingredients. Some of Pepsi’s competitors used narcotics and other dangerous substance in their formulas.

Cocaine and glycerin that were originally there in Pepsi that was present in Pepsi has been removed.
What is in Pepsi-Cola?