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February 22, 2006
Vishy's Useless Factoid of the Day: Soft drink brand names
I was reading a piece the other day that explained the history of several familiar brand names, including names of cold drinks. I was very amused when I came across the explanations for Pepsi and Fanta.
From the piece:
Fanta- was originally invented by Max Keith in Germanyin 1940 when World War II made it difficult to get the Coca-Cola syrup to Nazi Germany. Fanta was originally made from byproducts of cheese and jam production. The name comes from the German word for imagination (Fantasie or Phantasie), because the inventors thought that imagination was needed to taste oranges from the strange mix.
Pepsi- Pepsi derives its name from (treatment of) dyspepsia, an intestinal ailment.
I thought the Fanta explanation was priceless even though I am a fan of the drink, especially the pineapple variety. I am ashamed I hadn't noticed about Pepsi earlier but the explanation just spoiled it for me altogether. The next time I drink a can of Pepsi I am going to feel like I am taking medicine for an upset stomach. Mmmm... dyspepsia.
Posted by Vishy at February 22, 2006 07:44 PM