pepsi

Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink produced by PepsiCo. It is one of the leading cola beverages worldwide, competing chiefly with Coca-Cola.

Pepsi originated in 1893 when Caleb Bradham in New Bern, North Carolina, created a beverage initially called Brad’s Drink. It was renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, a name reflecting its claimed digestive benefits and cola flavor. In 1965, the Pepsi-Cola Company merged with Frito-Lay to form PepsiCo, a diversified multinational food and beverage company.

The standard beverage is a cola flavored soda formulated with carbonated water, sweeteners (high-fructose corn syrup in the United States or sugar in some markets), caramel color, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and natural flavors. Diet Pepsi uses artificial sweeteners to provide a sugar-free option, while Pepsi Zero Sugar markets a zero-calorie variant with different sweeteners. Pepsi is distributed in a variety of packaging formats, including cans and bottles of multiple sizes, and a range of regional flavor variations such as Wild Cherry and Vanilla.

Global presence is a defining feature, with Pepsi sold in many countries through local bottling partners. Formulations and sweetness levels can vary by market to meet local tastes and regulatory requirements. Marketing campaigns have emphasized youth, music, and sports, and PepsiCo has sponsored a wide range of entertainment and athletic events. The brand sits within PepsiCo’s portfolio, which also includes snack and beverage brands such as Lay’s, Gatorade, and Tropicana.

Nutrition and health considerations are often discussed in relation to sugar-sweetened beverages. A typical 12-ounce can of Pepsi contains roughly 150 calories and about 40 grams of sugar, with caffeine around 38 milligrams; formulations and labeling vary by country.