PepsiCo Announces New Name For Aunt Jemima Products

Last June, PepsiCo announced they were dropping 'Aunt Jemima,' a brand name that had been identified as offensive. According to NPR, "Old Aunt Jemima originated as a song of field slaves that was later performed at minstrel shows."

Now, PepsiCo, the parent company of Quaker Oats, which opened its first plant in Cedar Rapids in 1873, has revealed they will continue to sell the syrups, pancake mixes, cornmeal, grits, and flour products under a new brand name.

The new name will be 'Pearl Milling Company,' with the familiar red and yellow packaging remaining. A photo of the new brand name's packaging is below. The new name will appear on store shelves in June with the Aunt Jemima brand, minus the image, continuing to be sold until then.

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PepsiCo reports 'Pearl Milling Company' originated in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1888. The mill is responsible for the creation of the pancake mix that would become Aunt Jemima. In 1925, Quaker Oats bought the Aunt Jemima brand.

According to PepsiCo, "Pearl Milling Company will also announce the details of a $1 million commitment to empower and uplift Black girls and women, inviting the community to visit its website and nominate non-profit organizations for an opportunity to receive grants to further that mission." The company had previously announced a five-year investment of more than $400 million to "uplift Black business and communities, and increase Black representation at PepsiCo."