Pepsi: From back-counter soda fountain to one of America’s most iconic brands

Long before Pepsi^® became one of the most recognizable soft drinks around the world, its story began in a small drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina.

In 1893, pharmacist Caleb Bradham created a refreshing beverage he dubbed “Brad’s Drink” for customers visiting his neighborhood pharmacy. More than 125 years later, that hometown creation has grown into one of the world’s most iconic consumer beverages that helped form the company now known as PepsiCo.

“Doc” Bradham’s creation quickly gained popularity and was officially renamed “Pepsi-Cola” on Aug. 28, 1898. Bradham trademarked the Pepsi-Cola name in 1902 and soon expanded the bottling beyond his drugstore to a nearby warehouse. In its first year of operation, 7,968 gallons of Pepsi syrup were sold. By 1907, those sales topped 100,000 gallons. As the brand expanded, Pepsi built a reputation for innovation. By 1910, it was bottled by more than 250 companies in 24 states.

The decades that followed continued to bring growth in the U.S. and around the world. In 1951, Pepsi introduced its distinctive red, white and blue bottle cap that would evolve into the iconic “globe” logo the brand is still known for today. Then in 1965, when the Pepsi-Cola Company merged with Frito-Lay — the makers of namesake Fritos, Lay’s and other famous snacks — PepsiCo was formed.

The creation of PepsiCo marked a new era for the company, and it would continue to evolve Pepsi branding and offerings throughout the 20th century and beyond.

That spirit of reinvention would help shape a pivotal moment for the brand: The Pepsi Challenge. Launched more than 50 years ago, the blind taste test invited consumers to choose between Pepsi and its competitor, turning the confidence Pepsi had in its bold taste into a cultural phenomenon and creating a lasting and enduring proof point for the brand’s superior taste.

Today, Pepsi is bringing that same challenger mindset to a new generation with Pepsi Zero Sugar. To mark the Challenge’s 50th anniversary, Pepsi relaunched the iconic taste test for a new era, putting Pepsi Zero Sugar head-to-head with its competitor as consumer demand for zero-sugar cola continues to grow. In 2025, Pepsi Zero Sugar won in 100% of national tour markets where the challenge was conducted.

The Pepsi Challenge is just one chapter in a history defined by the brand’s ability to show up at the center of culture. Across food, sports, music and entertainment, Pepsi has been part of some of culture’s most memorable moments — with its great taste becoming a cornerstone of family gatherings, backyard barbecues, gamedays, tailgates and celebrations of all kinds.

For more than 125 years, Pepsi has stayed true to the spirit of innovation that first inspired its creation while continually evolving to meet the tastes and preferences of consumers. Today, its portfolio spans zero-sugar choices, bold flavor innovations and new offerings with functional ingredients.

From a neighborhood pharmacy in New Bern to shelves around the world, the story of Pepsi has always been one of evolution. Today, Pepsi is enjoyed across more than 200 countries and territories — a global legacy that began with a single drink more than a century ago and continues to evolve with every new generation.