Misleading

Does PEPSI stand for ‘Pay Every Penny to Save Israel’?

Recent social media discussions have brought attention to claims regarding PepsiCo and its alleged connections to Israel. A widely circulated post suggests that “PEPSI” is an acronym standing for “Pay Every Penny to Save Israel,” leading some social media users to raise concerns and call for boycotts of PepsiCo products.

Social Media Posts

The claim that “Pepsi” stands for “Pay Every Penny to Save Israel” has been circulating on social media recently. This claim has repeatedly surfaced over the past few years.

Source | Archive

Fact Check

History of the Name “Pepsi”: Historical records indicate that Pepsi’s origins can be traced back to 1893, when pharmacist Caleb Bradham developed the beverage in New Bern, North Carolina. The drink was initially marketed under the name “Brad’s Drink.” In 1898, Bradham decided to rename his creation to “Pepsi-Cola” to better position it in the growing soft drink market.

The name “Pepsi” was derived from the word pepsin, a digestive enzyme, while “Cola” referenced the kola nut, a common ingredient in carbonated beverages at the time. This naming choice reflected both the product’s ingredients and its initial marketing as a digestive aid. The rebranding strategy aligned with contemporary business practices of the late 19th century, when many beverage companies positioned their products as both refreshments and health tonics. This dual positioning helped establish Pepsi-Cola’s presence in the competitive beverage market of that era. (Source: Britannica, Food and Wine, Pepsi)

Pepsi’s Relationship with Israel: PepsiCo does have business operations in Israel and supports various initiatives in the region. According to a 2023 press release, the company has provided aid to communities in both Israel and Gaza, highlighting its humanitarian approach in conflict zones (Source).

However, there is no evidence to suggest that PepsiCo’s name or global branding strategy is tied to any specific political agenda, including financial support for Israel.

ALSO READ: Are Pepsi and Lay’s, two of the world’s loved brands, Israeli products? No. The claim is fake.

Conclusion

The claim about “PEPSI” being an acronym for “Pay Every Penny to Save Israel” is false. The company’s name derives from “pepsin,” a digestive enzyme, a logical connection since Pepsi was originally created as a digestive health drink. While PepsiCo operates in Israel and provides humanitarian aid in the region, these activities are unrelated to the origin of its name or brand identity.