Pepsi Cola
Pepsi-Cola is a carbonated beverage that originated in the United States and is widely recognized as one of the world's leading soft drink brands. Developed in 1893 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in North Carolina, the drink was later trademarked as Pepsi-Cola and spread to various parts of the world throughout the 20th century. Today, Pepsi-Cola is available in different variations and packaging designs depending on the country or region, with localization efforts made to suit various cultures and eating habits. Its distinctive sweetness and refreshing taste have earned it enduring popularity among consumers of all ages.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Baht
- Meal Date
- 5/3/2019
- Food Travel Log
- I heard that cola is customized by country.
So, I tried Pepsi-Cola in Thailand, a drink everyone knows. It felt different?
But food taste is influenced by atmosphere, so accurate cola-sommelier skills are needed to remain unaffected by the Thai vibes. Thailand is the best.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Pepsi-Cola
Pepsi-Cola is a carbonated beverage originating in the United States, with its history dating back to 1893 when North Carolina pharmacist Caleb Bradham developed it as "Brad's Drink." Today, it is sold in over 200 countries worldwide and is positioned as a global soft drink brand alongside Coca-Cola. The brand's global expansion allows for flexible adaptation to the regional and cultural backgrounds of consumers, resulting in unique variations in taste and bottle design depending on the country or region.
Pepsi-Cola in the Kingdom of Thailand
Thailand is one of the most important markets for Pepsi-Cola. Especially in tourist destinations such as Bangkok and the Amphawa Floating Market, Pepsi-Cola is routinely offered at traditional food stalls and restaurants. In Thailand, the Pepsi-Cola logo and labels are also highly localized, often featuring Thai script as well as illustrations symbolizing youth and modern culture. Unique bottle sizes and packaging designs tailored to the Thai market are distributed, and it is common for Pepsi-Cola to be served in cups filled generously with ice both at home and in eateries.
International Customization of Flavor
Despite being a global brand, Pepsi-Cola is known for subtle recipe adjustments in each country. For example, the types and proportions of sweeteners, aromatic ingredients, carbonation pressure, and caffeine content may be optimized to suit local consumer preferences and regulations. In Southeast Asia, a tendency towards a sweeter flavor profile is noticeable, lending a distinctive taste compared to other Asian markets or Western versions. In fact, experts and enthusiasts have pointed out that even the same Pepsi-Cola can have subtly different flavors and aromas depending on whether it is locally produced or imported.
Floating Market Culture and Pepsi-Cola
In traditional markets like Thailand’s Amphawa Floating Market, a long-standing food and drink culture rooted in local communities and tourism thrives. Tourists and locals gather at boats and stalls to enjoy fresh ingredients, snacks, and local drinks alongside Pepsi-Cola. The region's hot climate further popularizes the style of serving Pepsi-Cola chilled in an ice-filled glass, and such environments also influence the beverage’s flavor. Observations have shown that subtle changes in mouthfeel can occur due to the amount and quality of ice used, as well as the characteristics of the water used in Thailand.
The Evolution of Pepsi-Cola in the Global Market
Since its founding, Pepsi-Cola has continuously refined and evolved its recipe to suit the times and individual markets. Not only in Asian countries but also worldwide, a variety of versions (such as Pepsi Zero, Diet Pepsi, and limited flavors) are being introduced, with efforts to meet the tastes and health trends of local consumers being deepened. In Thailand as well, it is characteristic that local production is promoted through joint ventures with domestic companies or OEM manufacturing, resulting in a brand and flavor adapted to local preferences.